Budget cut at Herald newspapers

DOZENS of staff at The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times newspapers face the axe following a budget cut announcement yesterday by publishers, Newsquest.

It is believed that between two and three million pounds is to be slashed, despite the papers only last year being required to shed around 80 staff, including journalists and administrators.

Following an announcement to staff yesterday, Newsquest said, in a brief statement: “In line with current and future trading prospects, we need to restructure the business to reduce operating costs. We will be consulting fully with staff and unions to minimise the impact. Staff will be invited to submit cost saving suggestions to their line managers.”

The savings – including possible redundancies – are expected to be completed by the end of June.

One possible saving might be to merge the production of The Herald and Sunday Herald into a seven-day operation.