Published at 15:53, Wednesday, 26 November 2008

THIRTY jobs could be lost at publishers CN Group as it undergoes a restructuring exercise triggered by the effects of the economic downturn.

The company – owners of The Whitehaven News – is planning talks with staff over the next three weeks to determine how costs can be reduced to balance a fall in revenues during 2008 and to counter the effects of a continued recession into next year.

All staff across the company’s three divisions – publishing, print and radio – will be consulted over the moves which include voluntary redundancy.

CN has already decided that its radio stations in Banbury and Coventry will be sold or closed down. There will also be a policy of no pay increases for staff next year.

Chief executive Robin Burgess said: “Ensuring our business remains at the centre of the communities we serve will remain foremost in our thinking.

“I am confident that our plan has the balance between saving costs and being realistic, whilst ensuring we have a viable business to take forward for the future when the economy improves”.

The company portfolio also includes The Cumberland News, the North West Mail in Barrow, The News & Star, The Times and Star and The Hexham Courant.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk