A negotiated pay deal agreed for journalists at Yorkshire Post Newspapers could point the way forward for pay settlements, union representatives are hoping.

It was instigated by the National Union of Journalists following the Johnston Press takeover of Regional Independent Media, owners of the Post.

The union said the deal represented a significant pay rise for lower-paid staff and introduced a newly-qualified senior rate starting at £18,000. Trainees will start at 80 per cent of that minimum grade.

There are also minimum wage deals to reward loyalty and seniority, with guaranteed rates for two-year seniors and those who have been there five years.

People already paid more than the minimum will receive an increase of £625 or 2.5 per cent, whichever is the higher.

NUJ members had been calling for a new pay grading structure before the Johnston takeover last summer, but the chapel agreed to put off any action after the new owners gave an undertaking to negotiate after the acquisition went through.

Regional NUJ organiser Miles Barter said: "Being able to negotiate a deal in this way is something we very much welcome."

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