News International moot editorial cuts

News International is mooting a series of editorial job cuts across its tabloid and broadsheet newspapers in the next two weeks. The newspaper publisher is also considering cutting the rates it pays some agencies for stories.

It is thought production staff, mainly sub-editors, will be the worst hit as the publisher looks to consolidate print and online production teams.

The cuts would reportedly affect as many as 200 staff, 10% of News International journalists. News International declined to comment, saying the story was pure speculation.

The changes are part of News International’s ongoing “effectiveness and efficiency” programme. It follows the appointment of Boston Consulting Group, who has issued bosses with a review of its operations and how to save costs.

Further saving efforts could see the publisher reduces the amount it pays some independent news agencies for stories and pictures.

Staff cuts are expected to be announced internally within a fortnight. The Sun and The Times are expected to be the newspapers most affected by the proposals.