Over 100 jobs saved at Cambridge firm

More than 100 jobs under threat at Cambridge University Press (CUP) have been saved.

Unite members have been campaigning to save the 425 year old press and the company proposal to axe over 170 jobs, which would have meant the near closure of the company.

But, following talks with the Unite CUP will now be making just 58 staff redundant in total, including 48 from the printing section.

A further 25 print staff will now be moved to different parts of the business, with around 25 employees having already left the firm to seek new employment since the job cuts were announced.

Ann Field, Unite’s national officer said: “The prospect of losing printing at Cambridge University Press after 425 years of continuous activity was horrific for the workforce, for the community, and for the many generations of Cambridge workers and their families who have supported the university and its press.

“Although the loss of any jobs will be painful for people affected, Unite members, chapel reps and union officials are glad that more jobs have been saved and that printing will continue, including an element of colour work.”

CUP boss Steve Bourne added: “Whilst we are all pleased that the number of redundancies is far lower than we originally anticipated, it is still a difficult time for all involved and we will be doing all we can to support our colleagues during this process.

“I would like to thank our staff, their union representatives working in the printing business and the union Unite for working with us so constructively."

Well done to the Unite chapels and officials at CUP for fighting and campaigning so hard to save these jobs and the 425 years old press.