Independent News and Media is to reduce by 24 its print workforce in Belfast as it transfers part of its print production to its Newry plant.
IN&M’s deputy chief executive Richard McClean said the move was due to economic reasons but said there would be a number of redeployment opportunities within the Newry operation for those affected by the Belfast job losses.
“We deeply regret the loss of printing jobs in Belfast but the decision means we are securing the future of our business and strengthening our competitiveness,” he told the BBC.
“We aim to implement the job losses voluntarily with enhanced severance terms on offer.”
The plant in Newry will print all weekday editions of the Belfast Telegraph from mid-March. The media group owns the Belfast Telegraph in Northern Ireland, the Independent newspaper group in the Republic as well as having interests in South Africa and Australasia.