'Over 20' roles under consultation at C&R

Consultation has begun on more than 20 roles at Constable & Robinson as the independent publisher merges with Little, Brown.

The roles involved are understood to be mainly in sales, marketing and production. Constable & Robinson currently employs 41 people.

A Hachette spokesperson confirmed that "just over 20" roles were currently being consulted on, and added: "Where a job is made redundant, we will do our utmost to find an alternative, either in Little, Brown or Hachette."

Staff are thought to have been taken aback by the development, with one well-placed source commenting that the number involved was "much higher than people [C&R staff] were expecting".

Little, Brown announced in February that it was buying Independent Alliance member Constable & Robinson, following the death of former chair Nick Robinson.

Constable & Robinson m.d. Pete Duncan will report to Little, Brown's publisher David Shelley, while chair Nova Jayne Robinson is leaving the company.

Little, Brown Book Group c.e.o. Ursula Mackenzie said when the deal was announced that they would be "considerate and fair" when considering any potential redundancies. She said: "The first thing we are intending to do is spend some time getting to know everyone. If there are areas of overlap we will be considerate and fair. We have the benefit of being part of a bigger group so they may find opportunities. The biggest thing you can do wrong is try and do things too quickly."