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A second round of redundancies has hit the book business with cuts this week at New Hollland and Transworld's Distribution Centre, and proposed job losses at John Wiley. But recruitment consultants spoken to by The Bookseller suggested that these were more "tweaks" rather than a "second wave of depression".
Random House confirmed this week that all jobs at its Wellingborough-based operation would go, following a consultation launched earlier this year. Workers at Transworld's 40-year-old distribution centre were said to feel "bitter" at the loss of 33 jobs despite Transworld being "the most profitable part" of the Random House Group. One member of staff said: "Some people have worked here since they left school and a lot of people will probably lose their houses."
RHG proposed in January that it would close the warehouse and transfer its business to The Book Service in Essex. Mark Williams, m.d. of Random House Distribution division, said the closure "in no way diminishes the many years of excellent service from the team". He said: "It follows a full strategic review across our supply chain prompted by a changing marketplace and the need for future investment across our sites. The decision was taken to ensure we have the right structure and cost base in place for the future success of the distribution business."
The Bookseller reported earlier in the week that John Wiley & Sons has begun consultations over 42 positions, 30 based in the UK, after also shedding close to 30 jobs last year. Additionally, New Holland has made seven redundancies and will outsource its UK trade sales. M.d. Steve Connolly said: "UK trade sales have been lower than expected since last October and we felt it was prudent to make cuts now to ensure that we ‘live within our means'."
Recruitment consultant Steve Hyde of Inspired Selection said the moves were not indicative of further cuts to come: "There is not a second wave of depression, there's some cost-cutting going on. The Easter break is the time you do let some people go, after three months of checking how the market is going, and there are some tweaks."