News International to reduce workforce by 110

Tom Mockridge, News International’s new chief executive, has told staff that numbers will be reduced and there will be discussions with editors about the use of casual staff.

In an internal message, Mockridge thanked staff for their “hard work and perseverance” in “this extremely testing time”.

“In the period to the end of this financial year, we expect to reduce the News International workforce by 110 staff positions, out of a workforce of approximately 3,000,” he said. “In addition there will be discussions with editors about the use of casuals.

“Regarding the News of the World, 89 people have opted to take up the enhanced redundancy terms on offer.  We continue to do everything we can to find jobs for those who were directly affected by the closure and already 23 positions around the business have been made available. We are also developing a digital business which will offer a further 21 jobs.

“As you know, our industry is changing rapidly and like other media organisations we must continually evolve how we work. We have been seeking efficiencies for some time and over the last few months 100 vacancies have not been filled.

“From today we will be announcing changes to our business, starting with the areas first affected, and yesterday we began consultation with our staff association NISA over the proposals.

Mockridge said despite the “tough news”, he has confidence in the future of the publisher, which has come under intense pressure following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. Today will see former News International employees including Colin Myler and Tom Crone appear before a Select Committee panel.

“These proposals are the result of long-standing plans which I, and the rest of the executive team, believe to be key to ensuring our titles, our brands and our future in print and digital remain an indispensable part of the national and international media,” he added.