Beano publisher DC Thomson to cut 350 jobs

Publisher DC Thomson is set to close a print works in Dundee with the loss of up to 350 jobs.

It is planning to shut a plant in the city's Guthrie Street, where magazines and books are printed.

DC Thomson publishes a wide range of comics and magazines, including The Beano and The People's Friend.

The company's newspapers, including The Sunday Post, are printed at a separate site in the city and will not be affected

A spokesman said the proposed changes were needed to ensure a strong future for the business.

No decision has yet been taken on where magazines and books will be printed in the future.

The company said it would continue to print its newspapers - The Courier, the Evening Telegraph and The Sunday Post - at its premises on the Kingsway in Dundee.

A spokesman said: "These proposed changes are necessary to ensure a strong future for the business which is proud of its heritage, its association with Dundee and the fine journalism which we produce.

"These are difficult times for the publishing industry, but our publications are still amongst the most successful in their field. However, like others, we are not immune to the economic downturn or market conditions.

"We remain fully committed to our newspapers, magazines and comics business."

The spokesman said the company would do "everything it could to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies" and it has begun a 90-day consultation with staff affected.

DC Thomson & Co Ltd is a family-run company and employs more than 2,000 people.

As well as its three Dundee sites it has offices in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

The firm produces more than 100 million copies of its newspapers, books, annuals, magazines and comics each year.