Ashley Highfield, Johnston Press CEO said: “We announced a set of healthier results to the city in August which included a return to operating profit growth, strong digital revenues and increases in overall audience
“To ensure we are in a solid position for continued growth we need to be constantly reviewing our business structure and rescaling where appropriate. We have already taken many prudent measures to ensure we hit our financial targets and we will continue to explore different options for our employees to consider.
“With that in mind we are today announcing an Enhanced Voluntary Redundancy Programme.”
The window for application is only available for a set period of time – until 25th October.
Johnston Press is offering the voluntary programme to the majority of staff although there are, for operational reasons, areas of the business for which VR will not be made available.
The areas being excluded are the Advertising revenue generating roles and Digital. There may be other exceptions at local levels.
The VR programme is enhanced for the UK and Northern Ireland.
Johnston Press is also welcoming applications during this period (up to 25 October) for more flexible working arrangements e.g.:
* Reducing working hours
* Taking a career break
For approved applications, the company would maintain pension contributions and associated benefits with the above options for a maximum of 12 months.
Johnston Press says it will keep staff informed through regular updates and briefings at appropriate stages of the process.
