Difficult finances

The NUJ journalists’ union is facing a stringent financial year after recording a £269,000 loss in 2007 and debts of £780,000.

While spending remained relatively stable, the union saw a decline in revenue because of a fall in subscriptions. General secretary Jeremy Dear said union membership fell last year for the first time in seven years, which he blamed partly on redundancies in the sector.

• A redundancy programme is reported to be underway at the Unite general union as it proceeds to full amalgamation of the former Amicus and T&G unions.