THE National Union of Journalists (NUJ) today claimed that 350 jobs were to be axed at the company which owns a string of newspapers in East Lancashire.

The NUJ said the information on the proposed job losses was contained in a memorandum from Regional Independent Media (RIM) chief executive Chris Oakley.

The company owns the Clitheroe Advertiser, Burnley Express, Colne Times, Nelson Leader, Lancashire Evening Post and Blackpool Gazette as well as the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post.

The union claimed that the company "believes it is 25% over-staffed and is embarking on a rapid 10 per cent headcount reduction."

NUJ northern organiser John Toner said: "The workforce is devastated and everyone is now living in fear of losing their job."

A spokesman for RIM said: "The board has not seen or approved any plans for redundancies within Yorkshire Post Newspapers or the wider RIM group.

"A review of all processes within the group is under way to benchmark our efficiency against that of the industry leaders. The objective is to save money which can be reinvested in developing our titles and other media activities for the benefit of staff, customers and investors."

The company was formed in February when venture capitalists Candover Investments plc funded the acquisition of UPN Holdings Ltd, the regional newspaper group owned by Lord Hollick's United News and Media.

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