Guardian cuts extend to US as newspaper group aims to break even in America
The Guardian’s cuts are being extended to the United States, with around 30 per cent of staff across the pond at risk.
The loss-making UK-based newspaper publisher, which has set up operations in the US and Australia in recent years, reported a total loss of £173m in its 2015/16 financial year.
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In March, Guardian News and Media announced plans to cut 310 UK roles, equal to 250 jobs because 60 positions were unfilled, to save £17m a year.
According to the Guardian, the company employs 140 staff in the US and wants to cut this figure to 100 in a bid to break even by 2017/18.
However, its results filing in July showed a total headcount of 1,813 (including 1,050 editorial and production staff), up from 1,650 (including 925 in editorial and production).
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A Guardian News & Media spokesperson said:
We remain committed to Guardian US and to building on the remarkable success of our journalism. However, we said in January that we want GMG to break even at an operating level within the next three years and that no part of the business can be immune from tough action to secure the Guardian in perpetuity. Given the challenging trading conditions, we will move quickly in the US to rebalance the business model and focus on cost control, to ensure we can continue to serve our loyal and growing readership.