A proposal to close the final salary pension scheme to staff at the Express & Star, Shropshire Star and their sister weeklies has been announced.

Parent company the Claverley Group is proposing to introduce a defined contribution scheme for staff instead, and has launched a two month consultation.

Graham Evers, the group’s chief executive, cited "the continuing increase in both costs and unlimited risks facing UK pension funds" as the reason behind the plans.

The move would affect more than 600 staff.

If implemented, from June 1 employees’ future benefits would be accrued on a defined contribution basis. Benefits built up under the final salary scheme would be carried forward, rising in line with inflation.

In a statement, Graham Evers said: "It has been emphasised that the proposed changes will have no effect on the pension benefits they have already earned to date will remain fully protected.

"During the consultation period there will be a series of presentations to explain the proposals in detail.

"The company is also planning to assist employees to take independent financial advice on the proposed changes."

The final salary scheme was closed to new members six years ago, and staff joining the company since then have been given the option to join defined contribution scheme.

John Corser, National Union of Journalists father of chapel for the Express & Star, said the union would be seeking the views of its members in response.

He said: "Our concern is that we don’t want to see anyone lose out and have a worse scheme than they would have had."