The publisher blamed the economic downturn for the 27 redundancies, which are currently in the consultation stage.

GNM has said that it is hoping most of these will come from voluntary redundancies.

Joe Clark, GNM general manager, said: "The economic downturn has had a significant impact on the print site in terms of the number of newspaper copies we are printing. Circulation figures across the industry have fallen and are not expected to return to previous levels.

"This has meant that we have had to look at how GPC is structured, to meet our changing needs. This is no reflection on the GPC staff, who consistently work to the highest industry standards."

GNM has already announced that editorial numbers at its Kings Place headquarters in north London will drop from 850 to below 800, plus 82 out of 840 jobs will be lost in the commercial department.

Clark added: "This has not been an easy decision, but we will do everything we can to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies by seeking volunteers in the areas affected by the changes."