KM Folkestone office escapes closure in "restructuring"

The Kent wide KM Group, is planning to restructure its organisation with the loss of 61 jobs. The company, which runs local newspapers including the Kent Messenger and KM Extra, websites and kmfm radio stations across Kent, says the poor economic climate has caused revenue to drop by 25 to 30 per cent, costing it £9 million in revenue in a full year.

In a statement to staff, the company says this would lead to unsustainable annual trading losses if it took no action. The group is planning to close six of its smaller offices and restructure parts of its editorial operation.

The offices that are put forward for closure in the consultation are Dover, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Tunbridge Wells as well as the radio studios in Maidstone and Tonbridge. The work of the closed offices will be transferred to the remaining larger offices throughout Kent, and the KM Extra offices at 93 Sandgate Road in Folkestone are not being put forward for closure.

Managers are consulting with the staff affected by the proposal. The company said that it would offer professional support and help to all those who were at risk of losing their jobs.

The consultation will go on until the end of October.