Speaking after all Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times staff were sacked, Labour leader Iain Gray said:

"The Herald & Times group have a long and distinguished history and hope the management restructuring will ensure that it continues to thrive. These are important newspapers that have played a special role at the heart of Scottish civic life.

"What is of concern is the potential scale job losses and anxiety which staff now face as they have to reapply for their jobs. We hope that management work with the NUJ and other staff representatives to find a better way to carry out their restructuring."

Labour culture spokesperson Pauline McNeill has lodged an emergency motion in support of Herald & Times Group staff after all of its 250 journalist and publishing staff were made redundant today and invited to reapply for their jobs.

Pauline McNeill, MSP said: "These are draconian measures from management that leaves so many dedicated staff fearful for their jobs and concerned if they will be offered similar terms and conditions.

"The group made a substantial profit last year and one would have hoped management would have chosen to work with National Union of Journalists to ensure any restructuring was conducted in a civilised manner.

"The Herald is in my constituency. It is one of the oldest newspapers in the UK and along with the Evening Times has played a significant role in not just the life of Glasgow but Scotland and its politics."

David Whitton, MSP, Labour finance spokesperson, said:  "It is absolutely ridiculous that Newsquest think they can import US newspapers style of industrial relations to Scotland and treat people in such a manner. Most media employers are prepared to work with unions and staff representatives to ensure any changes are made in a fair and balanced manner."

3 December 2008