Lost your job? The next day union help is at hand
REDUNDANT journalists in Bristol have been given a helping hand to find new careers by the city’s NUJ branch.
A training day drew 50 participants — and nearly half of them had lost their jobs just the day before, when 44 of 157 staff were axed at the Northcliffe-owned Western Daily Press and Bristol Evening Post.
A panel of local journalists who have survived redundancy answered questions and gave tips about getting jobs in PR and new media or setting up as a freelance.
The digital industries also need writers, said online communications guru Matt Anderson.
“Content will always be king,” he declared. “Good writing will always have value. There are freelance and full-time openings for writers within technical teams. Journalists should get up to speed on new social media and networking tools.”
Branch welfare officer Susie Weldon, former MoC who was one who lost her job, commented: “Today was a real eye-opener. It’s inspiring to see the huge diversity and variety in the communications and PR industry.
“It’s been incredibly useful, packed with information, and it’s made me feel a whole lot better about finding myself at this stage in my life.”