Journalists at three newspapers in the North West are to ballot on whether to take industrial action over job cuts.

Regional publisher Newsquest North West announced a series of job losses last week at the Warrington Guardian, the Sale and Altrincham Messenger and the Northwich Guardian.

The National Union of Journalists said the cuts come despite the company making operating profits of £6.7m last year.

Seven jobs are on the line and the union claims that these will include three sub-editors and three reporters from across the titles.

Laurence Shaw, NUJ official for the North and Midlands, said a 30-day consultation had been implemented and will include a skills matrix.

He added that there were fears that people would not be assessed properly as many were due to take holidays within the consultation period. Because of this the union has asked the company for an extension.

Said Mr Shaw: “The union chapel met on Monday and took the unanimous decision to ballot for action because of job losses and increased workload.

“The chapel would admit that a few titles are not doing well but if you look at the profits of the wider group, especially Warrington, it’s doing fine.”

The ballot papers will go out to 37 union members on Tuesday. Mr Shaw said the company had not given any details as to how much it needed to save.

Group editor, Nicola Priest, did not wish to comment at this stage.