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Oxford University Press has cut around 140 jobs globally this year, representing 2-3% of its global workforce, with 51 of those jobs going in the UK.
The publisher has confirmed the cutbacks, which include roles in its ELT business, as well as across its Academic and Education divisions. Jobs are also in consultation as a result of its new technology partnership with Cognizant.
C.e.o. Nigel Portwood told The Bookseller: "You've seen reports of our competitor Pearson taking out 10% of its workforce... We have been doing nothing like that. Some markets have turned down across the world – South Africa is a case in point, the market has halved in the past two years and we don't think it's going to grow – and there are some parts of our business where our costs are out of line with market opportunity. We have taken action in respect of that, but it has been targeted and proportionate."
The posts have largely gone in sales and marketing functions for the regional businesses. But roles have also been added in parts of the business that are doing well, such as journals, the Asia business, and UK schools, said Portwood. The ELT division is being reshaped, so new jobs have been created in technology roles "so we can produce those materials with service added to them in a way we couldn't before, like assessment or teacher development." Overall, company headcount will remain flat this year.
OUP's annual report, released yesterday (7th July), showed a headline rise in turnover of 1.7% last year but with profits dropping 8%.
Portwood is interviewed by The Bookseller here.