The NUJ is concerned at the plans for the newspaper

Norwich-based media group Archant, which runs the two Ipswich-based daily newspapers, is planning to merge their sub-editing staff.

As a result six sub-editors are to lose their jobs. There are also two sports writing posts going and a design job.

A spokesman for the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) for Archant Suffolk said he was concerned at the news.

"We are very unhappy at the move," he said.

The spokesman added that the new move is likely to see all sub-editors working for both the East Anglian Daily Times (which serves Suffolk and Essex) and the Evening Star (the evening newspaper for Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and Woodbridge).

We have communicated with staff and have nothing to say publicly on this matter Keith Morris, Archant corporate communications manager

He said journalists were concerned that Archant could next decide to merge the reporters working for each newspaper.

Keith Morris, Archant corporate communications manager, told the BBC: "We have communicated with staff and have nothing to say publicly on this matter."

Last year Archant cut the number of photographer's jobs at its Ipswich office.

50 weekly papers

In March this year Archant reported profits in 2004 of �32.4m, up 16.9% on 2003.

Archant currently produces four daily regional newspapers, including the Eastern Daily Press in Norwich and the East Anglian Daily Times in Ipswich.

It has more than 50 weekly newspapers, including titles such as the Royston Crow, the Ely Standard and the North Essex Advertiser, with a combined circulation of around 2.5 million copies every week.