The independent Observer Standard group of free newspapers is the latest to axe jobs in response to the downturn – with up to eight editorial jobs going.
The Worcestershire-based group publishes 20 free weekly newspaper titles, five magazines and 30 websites.
In a letter to staff managing director Chris Bullivant said: “I am extremely sorry to have to let you know that, following a reduction in advertising revenue due to various well-publicised problems in the world and local economies, the management team is having to look to reduce the company’s cost base.
“This includes a 20 per cent reduction in staff across the company. This means the company will have to consider making some staff members redundant. In editorial this could mean up to eight staff could potentially lose their jobs.”
These latest cuts come as a wave of cost-cutting hits the entire regional press. With publications reporting advertising down by around 20 per cent year on year hundreds of jobs have been cut at regional newspapers in recent weeks.
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