Sun sub-editors walk out in protest at News of the World closure

Sub-editors at the Sun newspaper last night walked out of work in protest at the closure of sister title News of the World.

According to the National Union of Journalists staff at the daily tabloid, also published by owner News International, made the display of solidarity following the closure of the News of the World announced yesterday following a series of shocking phone hacking revelations.

Mounting allegations of criminality directed at the News of the World this week, have included those related to phone hacking as well as payments to Met police officers for information.

The union said at the same time of the protest News of the World staff within the building were being told about redundancies.

In his statement to staff yesterday News International chairman James Murdoch indicated there would be job losses, saying he understood how unfair these decisions may feel "particularly, for colleagues who will leave the company".

"Of course, we will communicate next steps in detail and begin appropriate consultations," he added.

According to the NUJ the company has told staff they will receive a 90 day payment to cover the legally required consultation period for job cuts.
 
"This outrageous manipulation of the legal right to be consulted about redundancies shows the contempt that the Murdoch empire has for its loyal staff," general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said in a release.

"True to form, he believes he can buy his way out of his obligations. This is an act of damage limitation to salvage Murdoch’s reputation and that of News International – both of which are now tarnished beyond repair."

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