SMG Defends “Best Practice” Approach

SMG, which is reported to have offered all 1,700 of its staff the option of voluntary redundancy (see SMG Offers Voluntary Redundancies), has defended its approach, insisting that it is following “best practice.”

A spokesman today drew attention to the fact that SMG warned last month that a review of finances would have to be put in place as the company, along with the rest of the industry, suffered the combined blows of the advertising slowdown and the confidence downturn caused by events on September 11. “The first stage of this was to communicate with all staff that if anyone wanted to consider voluntary redundancy, it could be discussed.” said the spokesman.

He continued: “It was made very clear that any acceptance would be subject to individuals’ roles and operational position within the company. We believe that we are following best practice by allowing individuals to make their own choices.”

SMG: 0141 300 3300 www.smg.plc.uk

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