A total of 27 journalism jobs are to be lost at the Press Association after Microsoft ended its contract with the agency.

PA has confirmed it is in consultation with affected staff, who are ordinarily based at its London headquarters.

The contract saw those affected work on Microsoft News, the USA-based company’s news, sport and lifestyle website and app.

It is understood the decision has been made as a result of a strategic change to how Microsoft’s sites will operate around the world.

A PA spokesperson told HTFP: “We are in the process of winding down the Microsoft team working at PA, and we are doing everything we can to support the individuals concerned.

“We are proud of the work we have done with Microsoft and know we delivered a high-quality service.”

A Microsoft spokesperson said: “Like all companies, we evaluate our business on a regular basis.

“This can result in increased investment in some places and, from time to time, re-deployment in others.

“These decisions are not the result of the current pandemic.”