BBC News - COI jobs go as government advertising budget slashed

COI jobs go as government advertising budget slashed

The government is to get rid of 287 advertising and marketing jobs as part of its spending cuts programme.

Staff numbers at the Central Office of Information (COI) will fall by two-fifths from 737 to 450.

The move follows a government freeze on "non-essential advertising", with the COI's budget estimated to have fallen by more than half.

Chief executive Mark Lund said the operation would become "leaner" and still deliver an "excellent" service.

Staff are being offered the chance to apply for voluntary redundancy, although there are expected to be compulsory lay-offs.
'Effective'

A formal 90-day has begun and will end on 1 November.

The COI said its turnover on advertising and marketing had fallen by an estimated 52% in June this year, when the spending freeze was imposed, compared with the same period in 2009.

Mr Lund said: "COI has always adapted to meet the requirements of government and the changing media landscape. A leaner COI is in line with new government priorities.

"Our future will be grounded in continuing to deliver excellent communications to achieve government aims, in the most cost efficient and effective way possible."

COI does not have its own dedicated budget but works for Whitehall departments and public sector bodies, having a turnover of £531m in 1009/10.