As reported on HoldtheFrontPage last month, the company had already announced that it was to shed 30 jobs and freeze pay increases.

But a fresh company announcement on Wednesday stated that the exercise was now expected to lead to the loss of 40 posts.

It is expected that 27 of these will go at CN's Carlisle HQ and a further 13 at its subsidiary Furness Newspapers Limited, based in Barrow.

Speaking to HoldtheFrontPage, chief executive Robin Burgess said the company had had to make an "ongoing assessement" of the economic difficulties facing the industry.

"The first announcement was not the formal announcement, it was still being reviewed. On the basis of the situation continuing to be dire, we had to propose further cuts," he said.

According to an internal memo seen by HTFP, the 13 posts under threat at Barrow include four editorial roles, eight studio ad/production staff, and the advertising sales manager.

The four editorial posts affected are those of deputy editor content, feature writer/sub, sport writer/sub and editorial assistant.

The CN Group, which publishes the North West Evening Mail and the News & Star – informed staff formally on Wednesday of the redundancy programme.

The move comes as the company attempts to address a fall in revenues during 2008 and meet the challenge of a continued recession in 2009.

Mr Burgess said: "The plan will ensure stability and our survival next year, but they do depend on present levels of activity continuing. If this does not prove to be the case, we will have to review the detail of our plan.

"The consultation with staff on redundancies is going to make the next few weeks very difficult and I appreciate it is not going to be easy for those in the 'consultation' pool, but I have no doubt that these moves are essential and will be an important part of ensuring the long term stability of the business."