Fifty jobs go at publisher SAGE

Around 50 positions have gone at independent academic publisher SAGE in a process begun in September, the publisher has confirmed, with around half those jobs based in the UK.

In a statement released to The Bookseller, SAGE said: “In September 2019, we announced internally that a number of positions were at risk across SAGE’s US and UK offices. As of December 2019, this has resulted in a total reduction in the region of 50 positions, approximately half of which are in the UK, out of a global workforce of almost 2,000 employees.

“These reductions have been made in response to the rapidly changing publishing landscape, as we look to ensure that SAGE is able to prosper for the long term and continue to serve our customers, editors, authors and societies. As an independent company, it is particularly critical that we manage costs and deploy resources efficiently so that we are able to continue to invest in new initiatives and areas.”

SAGE added: “We do not take decisions like this lightly and regret that these job reductions are a necessary part of ensuring a sustainable future for our business. We are working to support all departing staff in order to minimise the impact as far as possible.”

No further details on the specific roles involved have yet been released.

SAGE reported a total of 438 UK employees in its most recent gender pay gap filing.