The threat of seven editorial compulsory redundancies at the Derry Journal has been lifted after Johnston Press so it was no longer seeking to lose the posts.

The on-going dispute between the company and the National Union of Journalists resulted from JP’s decision to centralise its Northern Ireland subbing function.

The NUJ said last month that union members had voted 100pc in favour of some form of industrial action after the company accepted 15 redundancies but was still looking for seven more.

NUJ members passed the following motion: “The chapel welcome the news that there will be no further redundancies at the Derry Journal and in that regard agrees that the dispute is resolved.

“It is very much regretted that the past three months of uncertainty have placed all staff at the Derry Journal under severe stress and anxiety, to the detriment of our working environment.”

A chapel spokesperson added: “We at the Derry Journal are understandably relieved that this lengthy dispute has come to an end and that it was resolved in our favour.

“As a result of this process, we have safeguarded jobs at the paper and hopefully highlighted the importance of a strong, dedicated chapel and an appreciated workforce.”

Jean Long, divisional MD for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted that the original objective of setting up a centralised production function for all our titles in Northern Ireland is on track.

“We have reached the efficiencies, planned at the start of the process within each of the companies including the Derry Journal.

“This will help secure the long-term future of our titles in a challenging market.

“We are also appreciative that the NUJ recognised the challenging market we find ourselves in and we thank them for their understanding.”