Leaked e-mail says job cuts soon

The Guardian’s guardian.co.uk website said the e-mail was sent to senior managers by Devin Wenig, CEO of the markets division which includes the new company’s 2,600-strong global news operation.

It quoted him as writing: “It’s no secret that a significant amount of thought and planning has been dedicated to eliminating duplication and generating savings within our business. Over the next several days, we will communicate department by department the impact of our integration ... these actions will mean an immediate reduction in our headcount.”

Wenig added that the jobs that are impacted are largely the result of duplication between the two organisations. Most job losses will be completed by the end of the year but further cuts could be made if management decided to close certain products down completely.

“Going forward, there may be further merger related reductions in staff, but they will generally be tied to a specific decision to stop a business activity (such as to shut down a product, technology or a process).”

The website said Wenig also stressed that Thomson Reuters intends to grow in the medium term and that new jobs will be created.

It said a separate briefing document sent to managers in the markets division envisaged the cuts will be outlined from 14 to 22 May and consultations with unions and other bodies representing workers will begin on 19 May. ■