A dispute over pay at Newsquest in Bradford has finally come to an end.

Journalists will receive the original two per cent pay rise offered by the company in January.

The National Union of Journalists says a decision was made by both the union chapel and management to draw a line under proceedings for the 2003 pay award.

The pay rise will be backdated to January.

Joint father of chapel Bob Smith said: "The dispute is over without being settled.

"Both sides have agreed not to agree and we will now start looking ahead with the company to 2004 and 2005."

A statement from Newsquest (Bradford) said: "A line has been drawn under the NUJ's dispute at Newsquest Bradford over its editorial pay proposals for 2003.

"Both parties have agreed to commence negotiations with regard to the company's pay offer for 2004."

NUJ members at Bradford have been in dispute over pay since January and have held 47 days of stoppages since then, the last ending on June 10.

A third ballot for strike action was held in June but despite a vote in favour, no action went ahead.

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