Penguin Random House in the U.K. has entered a consultation period over 18 roles at risk of redundancy at the Random House Children's division.

The roles are in the marketing, publicity, design, editorial, and rights departments.

Francesca Dow, managing director of PRH Children's, said that the decision to restructure RHCP had been "difficult but necessary". The business needed "a more realistic and sustainable cost base and a return to profitability" in order "to grow and flourish". PRH would publish fewer books, with "greater clarity". A PRH spokesperson said that no changes to the imprint structure at PRH were planned.

Dow added: "This is a difficult time, especially for our colleagues whose roles are at risk. I know everyone will be considerate, supportive and kind to them.

"The measure of a great team is how we overcome challenges together and deal with change. I have every confidence that we can enjoy building a truly exciting business, where our talented teams have the opportunity to thrive and grow. This is what we all want for Penguin Random House Children's and I promise I will do everything I can to make this happen."

PRH announced in January that it would create one children's division, bringing together Penguin Children's and RHCP. The spokesperson added that no other parts of PRH Children's were under review, and that while the company planned in time to bring the division under one roof, the move would not take place this year.