Seven staff have been given notice of compulsory redundancy at Johnston Press' titles in Edinburgh, the NUJ has claimed.

Last month the company announced that around 30 editorial, sales and distribution jobs were under threat at The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News and Scotland on Sunday.

The National Union of Journalists says that five regular casuals from photographic and two staff feature writers have now been told what redundancy package they can expect and given a finishing date.

The NUJ chapel together with union officials met senior management last Thursday to discuss the future of the papers.

NUJ Scottish organiser Paul Holleran said: "They have given the figures to those they want to make compulsorily redundant but that's what we're trying to avoid.

"These people have had the monetary figures – it affects The Scotsman in particular."

Another chapel meeting is due to take place on Wednesday with the compulsory redundancies and health and safety expected to be on the agenda.

It follows a survey carried out by the union which they say shows people are not getting enough breaks.

In a company statement last month, JP maintained the changes in Scotland would improve operating efficiency.

"Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of these proposals on those at risk of redundancy, including voluntary severance and redeployment," it added. The company has declined to comment further on the NUJ's claims.

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