Voluntary redundancies are being sought among journalists at the Southern Daily Echo.

Staff at the newspaper received a a letter from editor Ian Murray earlier this week, telling them that a proposed restructure of the editorial department means a number of roles have been identified as being at risk of redundancy.

A decline in advertising revenue, new technology and a proposed reduction in the number of editions of the Southampton-based paper mean up to eight journalists' posts could be lost.

A company spokesman said: "A letter has been sent to editorial staff employed at the Southampton centre giving notice of plans to restructure the way work is done in the department from June 15.

"As a result of this a number of roles have been identified as being at risk of redundancy.

"In an attempt to avoid compulsory redundancy affected staff are being offered the opportunity to take part in a voluntary redundancy scheme.

"It is anticipated the redundancy consultation will be complete by June 7. Any redundancies will take effect from June 15."

The Southern Daily Echo is owned by Newsquest - the country's second-largest publisher of regional newspapers, with over 300 titles in its portfolio.

It has a total ABC circulation of 42,137.