The Herald and Times Group yesterday announced plans for a radical restructure to create a multi-media editorial operation.

The Herald and Times Group yesterday announced plans for a radical restructure to create a multi-media editorial operation.

As part of the plans, more than 230 journalists working on The Herald, Sunday Herald, and Evening Times were advised they face redundancy and have been invited to apply for new posts within the revised structure.

The titles' management said the changes were part of an ambitious plan to secure its digital future and weather the severe economic storm affecting the British media industry.

It added that editorial staff on the three papers would be merged under new Editor-in-Chief Donald Martin to increase efficiency and make full use of state-of-the art news production technology now being introduced. Staff numbers will be reduced by about 30 to 40 as part of the restructuring across the company.

Managing director Tim Blott said: "We are creating an efficient operation fit for the 21st century which will provide even more compelling and unique content for readers of all three titles and our websites.

"We are committed to producing vibrant and relevant newspapers and websites and see a bright future for The Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times and their digital versions."

Mr Martin added: I firmly believe this radical restructure is necessary to put us in the best possible position to maintain and enhance the quality of all our titles in an increasingly challenging market.

"I'm confident our talented journalists will be quick to embrace these changes and deliver unique and exclusive Scottish content both in-print and online.' Paul Holleran, Scottish organiser for the National Union of Journalists, said: "We were shocked by this announcement, but are now involved in meaningful discussions with management."