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The largest Christian publisher in the UK Lion Hudson has confirmed that it is to cut 10 jobs in an effort to weather the growing economic storm. The publishing house said that three members of staff would face compulsory redundancy, with another five posts being cut through voluntary redundancy. Two vacant roles will now no longer be filled.
Paul Clifford, managing director of Lion Hudson, said the staff cuts followed an internal review. He added that they were part of plans to "batten down for a prolonged recession", which he predicted could last for up to 24 months. Clifford said: "We have been thinking about it over the last few weeks and, although sales are holding up well, the economic environment has deteriorated so rapidly and severely, this seems to make sense."
The staff cuts would take the number of employees down from 62 to 52. Other moves included reducing the number of titles published yearly by 15-20%. Clifford added that print runs would also face "tough scrutiny".
Despite the cuts, he said the mood at Lion Hudson was "very good" and that many of those being made redundant planned to stay until projects had been completed. Clifford said: "I have been enormously impressed by the way everyone has tackled this." He added: "Anyone can read the economic runes, and hard though it is to say goodbye to respected colleagues, people recognise it is necessary."
All the departures will take place before Christmas. The only member of staff confirmed as leaving is Rodney Shepherd, publishing and marketing director for Lion’s US imprint Monarch Books. His responsibilities have been "integrated" into the new editorial and marketing structure.
Shepherd said: "I have the highest regard for Lion Hudson and will continue to give my full support to the staff and my director colleagues as tough structural decisions are made to ensure the stability and growth of the company in challenging days ahead. "I leave with enormous regret but also with great pride in Lion Hudson and its Christian heritage and reputation throughout the world."