Minister to meet publishers in bid to save dictionary jobs

Published on Monday 9 November 2009 08:55

ENTERPRISE minister Jim Mather is set to call publishing companies to a round-table meeting in a bid to save Edinburgh dictionary firm Chambers.

Union leaders claim there are firms interested in taking over the Chambers operation.

Publishing giant Hachette UK announced last month that its Chambers Harrap headquarters would close on 31 December with the loss of all 27 jobs.

However, staff, represented by the National Union of Journalists, have refused to give up hope of saving the business, which produces the iconic Chambers Dictionary.

Now NUJ Scottish organiser Paul Holleran says the willingness of the Scottish Government to get involved has offered new hope.

He said he had spoken to Mr Mather at length about the future of the Chambers operation.

He said: "They are now in the process of trying to engage with other publishers in Scotland.

"We know there are a number of people interested in trying to keep Chambers open in some shape or form and maintain some of the skills and quality that will otherwise vanish from Scotland."

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.

Chambers was established in 1819 by brothers William and Robert Chambers, who published their first dictionary in 1867.

Mr Holleran said he was impressed with the interest shown by ministers in trying to save Chambers.

"What we are asking for is for the parent company, Hachette, to be more transparent and supportive of our efforts.

"It's not just about maintaining a historic firm, although that is important. There is a quality product which is being produced here which is under threat."

He said developing the digital side of the dictionary was one of the ways the Edinburgh operation could continue.

He added that a business plan drawn up by senior staff, which Hachette had rejected, could encourage other publishers to take a closer look at the options for keeping Chambers going.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Ministers made clear their concern about the situation at Chambers as soon as the news about potential job losses was made public.

"The Scottish Government has been in touch with the company, both at ministerial and official level to discuss the position and possible ways forward.

"The Scottish Government will continue this work with the company to investigate all alternatives to closure.

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