Fourteen jobs could be lost at the Derry Journal in what parent company Johnston Press calls a “reorganisation of its Northern Ireland division”.

In a statement, Johnston Press said: “The company has reviewed the prepress and finance functions across the Northern Ireland Division and as a result is proposing to centralise the departments to one site at head office, in County Armagh.

“If the proposal should proceed, up to 14 jobs would be at risk of redundancy at the Derry Journal site.

“The company is committed to continued investment in the provision of strong local content and a first class advertising service to our readers and advertisers in Derry and Donegal.”

Jean Long, divisional managing director for Northern Ireland, said: “It is regrettable but necessary in an ever-increasingly competitive market.

“Staff who are directly affected have been informed of the proposals and consultation with them is under way.

“The company will make every effort to minimise the impact of this proposal on affected staff through, where possible, by re-deployment to alternative positions in the group.”

Johnston Press acquired Morton Newspapers Ltd, publishers of 16 weekly and five free titles, and Derry Journal publishers Local Press Ltd in 2006.