The result of a ballot on industrial action at the Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press should be known today.

Staff have already rejected a consultation into 20 confirmed job losses as “meaningless” and the National Union of Journalists is planning a fourth protest at the offices tomorrow.

Journalists fear more posts will be lost as the decision-making period continues. The 20 confirmed posts are in certain newsroom areas and decisions are still to be made on others, which could increase the total. Consultants have recommended that 36 editorial positions should go.

Evening Post father of chapel Derek Brooks said: “Northcliffe are on course to make the exact number of job cuts recommended by their consultants – 36.

“This is on top of the 20 already lost at the Post and Observer weekly series earlier this year.”

The two chapels have already voted in a secret ballot on paving the way for industrial action and the result was due to be revealed today.

The chapels at both newspapers will meet on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether to hold any action.