It follows the introduction of a tabloid-only format on Saturdays and increases the chances that the broadsheet format could soon be abandoned altogether, although the company is refusing to comment on this.
The introduction of the tabloid-only Independent next Tuesday will be backed with advertising in the relevant regions. The paper will continue to use the Walsh Trott Chick Smith "No less Independent" strapline, but ending with the line "now available in compact size".
On the same day, Independent News & Media is to introduce a tabloid version of the Irish Independent, which will be published in the greater Dublin area alongside the traditional broadsheet format.
Since it first launched in the M25 region in September last year, The Independent has seen its circulation rise, as well seeing as the other broadsheet publishers scurrying to consider me-too versions.
The Times has already rolled out its compact version but The Guardian has strenuously denied reports that it is also planning a tabloid edition, informally dubbed "Guardian Lite".
A report in The Independent today says that sales of the paper rose by 50,000 last Saturday, the first time it had been published solely as a tabloid.
Its scoop on former WMD expert Brian Jones this week has unofficially added 50,000 in sales and there was a 66,000 spike when it published its startling "Whitewash?" front page the day after the Hutton Report was unveiled.
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