Nearly 60 jobs could be lost at Aberdeen Journals Ltd as the company considers outsourcing the distribution of its newspapers.

DC Thomson, which owns AJL, intends to enter into consultation with 59 staff working in its transport, distribution, circulation and finances departments.

Proposed changes to the distribution system would mean newspapers would be collected and delivered by an external provider, which according to the Press and Journal, is likely to be John Menzies.

Ellis Watson, chief executive officer for publishing, said: “We have been working hard to assess how our business can meet the challenges of the dramatic changes in the publishing industry and the turbulent economy.”

“We are one of the last publishers in the country still distributing our own titles. The cost of producing and distributing to market is ever-increasing, which is why we’ve had to make this decision to outsource, rather than to see our business decline.

“We are working with our affected staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period.

“By facing the challenges head-on and investing for a new era, we will maintain a strong position on the newsstands and continue our important role as an employer for the future.”

Aberdeen Journals, which includes the Press and Journal and Evening Express, has a workforce of around 500.

Earlier this year the company made around ten staff redundant when it closed its city centre shop on Aberdeen’s Union Street saying the store was “no longer financially viable”.

The shop stocked a variety of gifts, clothing and Aberdeen memorabilia.