PUBLISHING group ­Johnston Press has said the pace of decline in its total revenues slowed in the third quarter but confirmed more job losses were in prospect at the company.

In an interim management statement, the ­Edinburgh-based company said total revenues from continuing operations fell 3.1 per cent in the three months to September compared with the same period last year. Revenues fell by 4.3 per cent annually in the first half of the year.

The group said it was ­planning further efficiency and restructuring initiatives in the final quarter, after cutting £7.1 million in costs through job losses and measures such as office closures during the first six months.

The company said circulation revenues fell 4.7 per cent annually in the quarter, "in line with trend."

Total advertising revenues fell 3.4 per cent annually, compared to 4.6 per cent in the first half of the year.

Digital revenues rose by 19.5 per cent, with the group stating its monthly digital audience was now about 27 million unique users.

Noting signs of economic growth in most of its geographic markets, Johnston Press said it was focused on delivering its strategy and returning the business to overall top line growth.

The board expects trading results for 2014 to be in line with current market expectations and said: "The continuing strong growth of Johnston Press' digital platform positions the business for further improvements in 2015."

Shares in Johnston Press slipped 0.11p, or three per cent, to close the day down at 3.55p.

Shareholders will vote to approve a share capital reorganisation, involving a consolidation of every 50 shares into one new share, on November 12.