Dictionary publisher Chambers Harrap could still be saved, claims union

Published on Thursday 29 October 2009 09:31

THE owners of Edinburgh-based publisher Chambers Harrap were today condemned over their decision to go ahead with closure plans as union leaders claimed the operation could yet be saved.

Publishing giant Hachette UK announced the office in Edinburgh's Hopetoun Crescent would close on 31 December with the loss of all 27 jobs.

But the National Union of Journalists said it was still possible a buyer might be found for the Chambers side of the business, including the iconic Chambers Dictionary.

NUJ Scottish organiser Paul Holleran said he was meeting enterprise minister Jim Mather next week.

He said: "We want to see if there are any publishers in Scotland prepared to take on the Chambers list or look at some kind of joint project. We still think there is potential."

Under Hachette's plans, the Harrap side of the business – mainly foreign language dictionaries – would move to Larousse in Paris while responsibility for Chambers titles would switch to Hodder Education in London.

The company originally announced its closure plans on 15 September, blaming the decline of reference books as people turn to the internet instead.

But the NUJ argued the staff working on the dictionaries were well placed to exploit the opportunities of publishing the texts online and said the company had not invested in the resources to explore such options.

Edinburgh North & Leith Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz said: "I am extremely angry at the way in which the company have gone ahead with this closure in spite of the good arguments and alternatives suggested by the workforce. The decision is a kick in the teeth for the staff."

Edinburgh East Labour MP Gavin Strang also criticised the company. He said: "The approach of Hachette UK has been quite brutal. The consultation period was totally inadequate. But the prospect of securing some of the Chambers jobs has not gone completely. I would urge the company to make it easy for any buyer."

Chambers was established in 1819 by brothers William and Robert Chambers, who published their first dictionary in 1867. Chambers Street in Edinburgh is named after younger brother William, who served twice as the city's Lord Provost.

In a statement, Hachette UK said the switch to Paris and London would take effect from 1 January.

It added: "Redundancy terms have been agreed with staff at Chambers Harrap, who will start to leave the business over the next few weeks having assisted with the changeover to the new arrangements."