Drivers go at Newsfast
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• TNT Newsfast is making 460 drivers redundant. Most are involved in News International's London retail distribution.
News International, whose titles include The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times, is streamlining its London distribution area, but says it will continue to use Newsfast for most of its London distribution.
Redundancy notices have gone out to 400 TNT Newsfast drivers working for the London retail business and 60 in the trunking operation. Their jobs go on 7 October. TNT retains the trunking contract which employs about 100 drivers.
Newsfast has taken over News International's management contract for retail deliveries in the London area, including administration and invoicing.
News International's circulation director John East said the company "does not anticipate any deterioration in the level of
service provided". TNT is believed to be talking to the Transport and General Workers' Union to relocate as many drivers as possible (CM 22-28 Aug).
Last week the company told CM that the job cuts are being carried out "in the face of the present harsh economic climate to effect greater efficiency and to ensure a continued and re
liable service to our customers".
News International says that 5,600 London outlets will still be serviced by Newsfast deliveries, with 10 "small" areas changing to another form of distribution. It is believed that this could include a number of exTNT drivers taking up individual franchise agreements with News International.