Some 40 jobs could go at the Express & Star.

"Difficult trading conditions" have prompted redundancy offers to staff.

The company said it was having to take swift measures to control costs but no mention has been made on which departments might lose staff.

National Union of Journalists father of chapel John Corser said it was unclear how many editorial posts might be under threat.

He said: "The company is blaming continuing problems in regional newspapers, specifically advertising revenue being down.

"A 30-day consultation has begun and staff are being asked register their interest in voluntary redundancy."

The union is not recognised at the centre, but a staff council will be involved in that consultation with management.

Fourteen editorial jobs were lost out of a total 39 redundancies at the paper last summer.

The company had previously said it was looking to shed 50 posts a figure reduced due to natural wastage. Six editorial posts went at sister paper the Shropshire Star, with another 24 staff leaving from other departments.

None of the other papers in the Midland News Association group are set to announce similar measures at present this time around.

Managing director Alan Harris cited a weak advertising market in a memo to staff, and has not ruled out compulsory redundancies should the 35 to 40 heads not come forward voluntarily.

He said it was essential that savings had to be made to ensure the long-term financial strength of the company.

He added that the decision had been taken reluctantly and the redundancies would be kept to a minimum.