View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
June 15, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 7:49pm

Brighton’s ‘rock’ ponders next move after lay-off

By Press Gazette

A journalist who has worked for The Argus for 26 years is considering taking Newsquest to an industrial tribunal after it officially made him redundant from the Brighton paper.

Award-winning crime reporter Phil Mills is also appealing directly to the managing director, Martyn Willis.

Mills was called in by the human resources department for a meeting with editor Michael Beard on Monday, when the decision was finalised. He was given a list of vacancies, as required by law, which included sub-editor, reporter, copy taker or telesales (maternity leave).

Mills told Press Gazette: "I am personally shocked and saddened. It sends a very bad message out to the community that despite me being a Brighton born and bred man, having served 26 years on The Argus and having won the newspaper several awards, that the paper can tear it all up in one stroke.

"I have had fantastic support from all aspects of the community who are shocked, and many are disgusted by the decision. I've loved The Argus for 26 years and wish it well for the future."

Although Mills is not an NUJ member, the Argus chapel wrote to management to express disappointment and disapproval when it was announced his job was at risk on 11 May.

Mills is described by colleagues as one of the most respected journalists on the paper with "excellent contacts".

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

One insider said: "He was our rock. He will be sadly missed and was one of the biggest assets The Argus ever had. I think it's a huge mistake — he was everyone's mentor."

Argus managing director Martyn Willis declined to comment.

■ Deputy editor Pat Lewis has resigned for a post in public relations. Four reporters — Kate Morrison, Jenny Legg, Miriam Wells and Lucy Brinicombe — have also resigned from The Argus for new jobs this week.

Topics in this article :

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network