THE publisher of the Express and Star newspaper has announced plans to axe around 90 jobs.

Media group Midland News Association (MNA) blamed “difficult trading conditions” for the announcement, which prompted an angry response from union chiefs.

It was understood that around 60 jobs will go from the group’s Black Country and Staffordshire offices, with 30 being cut in Shropshire, representing about ten per cent of the firm’s workforce.

Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands organiser for the National Union of Journalists, said: “This is a devastating blow and comes on top of huge cuts in the recent past.”

MNA managing director Alan Harris said: “Like every other newspaper publisher, the MNA is facing very difficult trading conditions and there seems to be no sign of improvement.

“The board fully understand this is a very difficult time for all staff.”