National Union of Journalists members at Newsquest in Bradford say the ball is now back in the management’s court, in the ongoing dispute over pay.

On Wednesday, members at the Telegraph & Argus, Keighley News, Ilkley Gazette, Craven Herald and Wharfedale Observer voted to reject the latest offer from the company, and have now invited managers to resume talks with local union representatives.

They also reiterated their offer to go to the conciliation servive ACAS for binding arbitration.

Following a third ballot 75 per cent of voting members said they were in favour of strike action, with 80 per cent in favour of action short of a strike.

But members have voted to suspend any action pending the company’s response.

Newsquest Bradford managing director David Coates said: “We are still involved in talks with the union’s general secretary and I don’t think it would be appropriate to comment further while those talks are ongoing.”