The package will enable redundant journalists, including regular casuals, to improve  their skills and, if they choose, take up new careers outside journalism. Arrangements for this training can be made through the chapel and the national union.

 

Richard Desmond, head of Northern & Shell the newspapers' owner, is looking for job cuts of up to 70 staff.  Several high-profile members have already left, however negotiations between management and the NUJ are continuing.

 

Barry Fitzpatrick, NUJ deputy general secretary, said: "We are strongly opposed to the scale of job cuts being proposed and so far have prevented compulsory redundancies. Talks continue under the extended consultation window and cover staff in London, Broughton and Glasgow. The NUJ considers that the company failed to exploit the opportunity of last year's News of the World closure and is not responding to the digital challenge facing the industry."

 

 

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