Union wins a big payout for staff not consulted on sale

Journalists and many other staff at the Racing Post will receive six and a half weeks gross pay each thanks to settlement secured by the NUJ.

This payment is compensation from Trinity Mirror, the previous owner of the Post, for its failure to inform and consult on the sale of the company to new owners.

The compensation package is estimated to be worth up to £750,000.

The British Association of Journalists was involved in the settlement, but only because it was the legally recognised union at the time, despite having no members on the Post.

The overwhelming majority of journalists are NUJ members and have been for the past five years, and it was the efforts of the NUJ on behalf of its members and others that propelled the case to a successful conclusion.

NUJ National Organiser, Barry Fitzpatrick, said: “We hope that Trinity Mirror will show more respect for their obligations to inform and consult staff on matters as important as their future employment conditions including their pensions.”

Father of the Chapel at the Racing Post, Robin Gibson, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome which was the result of a lot of hard work by union officials, members and other staff, and Thompsons solicitors.

“I hope it demonstrates that it’s never wise to take at face value what the company presents to you as a fait accompli, and that it highlights the benefits of being a member of the NUJ.”

The Journalist is published by the National Union of Journalists