Journalists at the East Anglian Daily Times fear a revamp of the editorial production department could result in new contracts or wage cuts for staff.

Nine editorial roles could go in the reshuffle at the Evening Star and EADT, which share offices in Ipswich.

It is understood a combined subbing operation could be introduced, and consultation with affected staff is under way.

But new fears have emerged over the possibility of wage cuts for staff that remain.

HoldtheFrontPage has been told that the new set-up will have one production chief, four team leaders selected from a pool of nine at present, several 'page editors class 1' and other subs on around £23,000.

The source told HTFP: "Many long serving and highly experienced subs with 20-plus years of service will take a pay cut of several thousand pounds and be forced to work for the same salary as a newcomer to subbing."

Parent company Archant has previously said that the work review was an internal and private matter, and that consultation had taken place with affected staff.

A spokesman said today: "An employee representative has been elected by staff and he is helping with the on-going consultation and communication process with those affected."

National Union of Journalists newspaper organiser Barry Fitzpatrick said he was travelling to the centre next week to speak to members. The union is not recognised by Archant.

Barry said: "I am being told that the members affected by this who are not being made redundant will have this conflict on pay.

"If this imposes a pay cut on them this is an issue that could be grounds for constructive dismissal."

The newspapers are run separately but overlap circulation areas.

The East Anglian Daily Times covers Suffolk and North Essex through three editions and has a circulation of 40,700.

The Evening Star also has three editions, covering the rural areas, coastal towns and greater Ipswich with a circulation of 26,100.