The latest news regarding British record label EMI is that another of the companies star groups is about to join Coldplay and Robbie Williams by going on strike. The Verve have threatened to hold up the release of their comeback album, unless EMI can offer them reassurances regarding the promotion and distribution of their product.

The bands latest album is scheduled for June release but Verve manager Jazz Summers has told them to withhold it until they receive reassurance from EMI .

EMI have recently lost Radiohead and Paul McCartney as well as former chairman Tony Wadsworth. They are reported today to be about to shed up to 2000 jobs throughout the company in a bid to streamline the business. Almost a third of the companies employees are at risk as the business seeks to save £200 million a year.