Irish Times editor says job cuts crucial
Wednesday, 7 November 2001
The editor of the Irish Times, Conor Brady, has warned that unless job cuts are implemented at the newspaper, the Irish Times could close.
The company, which has a total workforce of over 700, has been suffering a downturn in its business in the last year and its losses are expected to rise even further next year. The newspaper announced 250 job cuts yesterday.
The losses incurred by the company this year are believed to be £2m. Losses next year may total £17.5m, of which £14m will be suffered by the newspaper itself.
Union representatives had a meeting with management yesterday to hear about the difficulties facing the newspaper.
Staff were given the news about the job cuts yesterday morning. 250 jobs are to go on a phased basis between now and the end of next July. Unions were told that the cuts would be made across the board, but it is hoped that as many as possible of the job losses will be voluntary.
100 people will lose their jobs by the end of January, 50 more will be gone by the end of March, 50 by the end of May and another 50 by the end of July.
- Morning Ireland: Fiona Mitchell reports on the reaction to the company's announcement
- Morning Ireland: Conor Brady, Irish Times editor, discusses the problems at the company
