Yorkshire TV plans 125 job cuts after merger

YORKSHIRE Television is expected to announce more than 125 redundancies following its takeover of Tyne Tees.

More than half the job losses are likely to be among staff of Tyne Tees, as Yorkshire recently cut its own workforce by about 80. According to the bid documentation, the combined group employed 1,780 last year.

The takeover, though approved by shareholders, is still subject to clearance from regulators.

The staff cuts partly reflect plans to share facilities following the takeover, which valued Tyne Tees at pounds 30m.

They are also the result of continuing pressure on costs among television companies, which have been hurt by low advertising revenue. Both companies have made cuts in the past. Yorkshire's head-count fell by 40 to 1,310 last year, while Tyne Tees' fell from 666 to 476.

The combined group covers an area from Northumberland to Lincolnshire and accounts for more than 16 per cent of Britain's independent television audience.