Staff at Tindle newspapers in North London have called off  strike action after management agreed to call a temporary halt to the non-replacement of journalists.

National Union of Journalists members at Sir Ray Tindle’s London & Herts Newspapers demanded action from the company over non-replacement of staff, which they claim would have left two reporters writing all nine of the newspapers.

The dispute led to a strike in April and a second stoppage was set to take place next month.

However the NUJ announced it was calling off the action following management’s agreement to a six-month moratorium on its policy of not replacing staff, meaning that any vacancies that arise over that period will be filled.

They have also agreed an extra reporter to work for half the week to help out with the current workload, and to withdraw redundancy consultation notices issued to staff on the eve of their first walkout.

Management is to carry out a further review of the situation after six months.

Jonathan Lovett Father of the Chapel at North London & Herts Newspapers said: “It has been a long, hard struggle but we are satisfied with the result and now look forward to working together with Tindle to ensure our papers are returned to the quality publications which our readers deserve.

“We have many ideas forthe future of our papers and we look forward to sharing them with the Tindle management across the table.”

Managing director of Tindle Newspapers Brian Doel said:  “We are delighted that this potentially damaging dispute has been resolved thanks to talks between the chapel, the NUJ and management.

“Tindle Newspapers has always been committed to publishing good local community newspapers and we will continue to do so in Enfield, Barnet and Haringey.

“We will be meeting our editorial staff regularly to discuss ways of increasing revenues in these newspapers to ensure their future.”

North London and Herts Newspapers comprises the Enfield Advertiser, Edmonton Advertiser and Herald, Winchmore Hill Advertiser and Herald, Haringey Advertiser, Enfield Gazette, Barnet and Potters Bar Press, East Barnet Press and Advertiser, Edgware and Mill Hill Press and Hendon and Finchley Press.

The members had already seen their plight backed by MPs in parliament.

Earlier this month MP Andy Love sponsored an early day motion applauding the stand taken by the Enfield journalists and calling for Tindle to meet with the National Union of Journalists.  The EDM was signed by 11 MPs.