DC Thomson says Aberdeen Journals jobs could go

Dozens of jobs could be lost at Aberdeen Journals, it has been announced.

Owner DC Thomson is considering outsourcing distribution of the Press and Journal and Evening Express newspapers.

A redundancy consultation will begin with 59 staff in Aberdeen and Inverness who work in the transport, circulation and finance departments.

DC Thomson bought over the titles in 2006.

Ellis Watson, chief executive officer for publishing of newspapers and magazines, said, "We have been working hard to assess how our business can meet the challenges of the dramatic changes in the publishing industry and the turbulent economy.

"We are one of the last publishers in the country still distributing our own titles. The cost of producing and distributing to market is ever-increasing, which is why we've had to make this decision to outsource, rather than to see our business decline.

"We are working with our affected staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.

"By facing the challenges head-on and investing for a new era, we will maintain a strong position on the newsstands and continue our important role as an employer for the future."