Unite support for threatened jobs at Edinburgh dictionary
publishers
26th October 2009
Unite, the largest union in the country, has come out in support
of the 27 jobs under threat at the dictionary and reference book
company, Chambers Harrap, in Edinburgh.
Unite, while not having members at the 191 year-old company, is
concerned that these threatened job cuts are a growing trend in the
British book and publishing industry, with its adverse knock-on
effects to employment and local economies.
Unite/GPM national officer, Ann Field, said: "Unite members in
other publishers, book printing and distribution companies are
concerned at yet another blow being aimed at the UK book
industry.
"Unite members are signing a petition calling for the retention
of one of longest established and finest English language reference
works, and particularly to retain its production and publication in
Edinburgh.
"The internet serves to expand massively resources of
information. But replacement of the printed word is only in
the interests of accountants and bankers, not the readers and
researchers. Unite is right behind the National Union of
Journalists in its continuing campaign to save these jobs in
Edinburgh."
One of the oldest names in British publishing, Chambers Harrap
wants to close its Edinburgh office with the loss of up to 27
positions, after parent company Hachette failed to find a buyer for
the Chambers’ business.
It is planned that the imprints will be merged into Hachette's
operations in Paris and London. In the summer, Hachette UK recorded
a first half sales uplift of 12 per cent.
ENDS
Notes to news editors
The internet link for the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/chambers-in-edinburgh
More details: Ann Field on 07831 676 587 or Shaun Noble
(communications officer) 020 7420 8951 or 07768 693 940
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