HARARE — A jobs bloodbath is looming at Zimbabwe’s biggest media group, with 154 employees set to face compulsory retrenchment across the Zimpapers empire.

The Group Works Council has told employees that the retrenchment process begins today, with affected workers set to receive the full details of their individual packages in formal notice letters.

In a stark update to employees, the council said:

“The Zimpapers Group will from today start a compulsory retrenchment process which will affect 154 employees across the group.”

The notice added:

“Nitty gritties will be communicated to the affected individuals in their notice letters.”

And in a message likely to be closely watched by workers facing the axe, it stated:

“NB: The minimum as per law is 1 month salary per every year served which is negotiable.”

The sweeping cuts are set to hit the group behind some of Zimbabwe’s best-known media brands, including The Herald, The Sunday Mail, Chronicle, Sunday News, H-Metro and Star FM.

For the 154 employees now staring at an uncertain future, the retrenchment process marks a grim new chapter for one of the country’s most recognisable media institutions.

The precise positions and departments affected — as well as individual packages — are expected to be spelt out in the notice letters being issued to those caught up in the exercise.

154 jobs. One media giant. A major shake-up begins today.