UK: Over 300 jobs threatened at Reach plc

A restructuring process announced by the publisher Reach on 8 September will put over 300 editorial jobs at risk of being cut. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), in denouncing this 'devastating body blow' to the publisher's journalists.

Substantial job cuts announced by publisher Reach on 8 September are expected to affect 600 journalists, with 321 job cuts in the offing. The proposed editorial restructuring process has been decriedby the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), who expressed concern for the jobs of the publisher's journalists. Reach claims that they aim to hire 135 journalists for new roles, which would reduce the number of job losses to 186.

Reach publishes leading titles, such as The Express, The Mirror, The Manchester Evening News, The Daily Star and The Liverpool Echo. NUJ national Reach coordinator Chris Morley said that the announcement will drag morale down further for a team of journalists who are already under immense pressure in a fast-changing industry. The planned restructuring is saidto be more financially viable but aims to change Reach's editorial functions in the future.

Reach has already been actively incorporating artificial intelligence into its daily tasks, which the NUJ has repeatedly expressed concern about. The NUJ has also asked for clarification about AI's role in the planned restructuring.

NUJ General Secretary Laura Davison said: "Yet again, journalists at Reach must bear the burden of huge cuts announced by the organisation, leaving many understandably worried about their future at the company. With every round of restructuring and redundancies, experienced journalists are leaving behind teams, who are already stretched and now have to manage burgeoning workloads. It is time that Reach considers a long-term sustainable strategy that recognises the value that its journalists bring in contributing to its success."

"The worryingly high number of editorial jobs that will be lost ahead of the upcoming restructuring puts journalists and their occupations more at risk. Amidst a growing digital landscape where AI is being incorporated unnecessarily, Reach must also consider the irreplaceable value of journalists' hard work. The industry has been shaken up by artificial intelligence, which must be combated as we deal with unprecedented times. We demand that Reach re-evaluates its decision and protects the jobs of over 300 staff," said the IFJ.