Fairfax announces plans to axe jobs

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Fairfax Media has announced plans to axe 45 staff and outsource their work to a creative advertising studio in India.

EPMU senior national industry officer Paul Tolich expressed disappointment at the news, which affects "day-to-day advertisements, often from templates, for insertion in metro and suburban papers owned by Fairfax Media in New Zealand."

The cuts in staffing are being made in Fairfax publications across the country. Ten new production coordinator positions would be created as part of the new structure, Tolich said.

"It's extremely disappointing that Fairfax has chosen to export these highly skilled jobs.

"At a time when there is high unemployment and insecurity, it's the last thing these workers and their families need.

"We know that the newspaper industry is facing challenges, and that they're looking to reduce costs and grow revenue. But local advertising relies on workers spending in their local communities. How can they spend when they don't have jobs?"

- NZ HERALD ONLINE