Union members at two dailies have been given a 2pc pay rise after negotiations with management.

Editorial staff at the Leeds-based Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post will receive a rise of £591, which has been slammed as “paltry” by the National Union of Journalists.

JP says the move recognises the “hard work and effort” of those working at the titles.

Pay rises with non-union members are being negotiated individually over the coming months.

However the NUJ’s Leeds chapel says the rise, which will be backdated to July, does not go far enough and it may pursue legal action against the company.

In a statement, it said: “”Continuing to rip-off employees will ultimately damage the newspapers and digital products and further weaken the prospects of Johnston Press making a recovery.

“The chapel gives notice of its intention to use all means necessary, including legal action to pursue the company over realistic and reasonable rewards for staff.”

The chapel adds its members are angry that they are expected to suffer another real-terms pay cut, while at the same time being expected to take on more responsibilities and work harder and longer.

In response, a JP spokeswoman said: “Whilst efficiency and restructuring initiatives continue to be implemented across parts of the business, we do want to recognise and reward hard work and effort and, having reached an agreement with the NUJ’s Leeds Chapel, can confirm a £591 pay rise for its members in editorial on the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post.

“This equates to a 2pc pay rise (equalised across all staff) and will be backdated to July 2014.

“In addition, there are also a number of staff recognition initiatives in place which provide the opportunity for positive and immediate feedback and financial reward for exceptional contribution.”