Journalists at the Leicester Mercury could be on strike before Christmas after union members voted for industrial action.

They are unhappy at a below inflation pay offer which they claim leaves them behind the going rate.

Union figures show that newly qualified journalists at the Birmingham Post & Mail earn some 20 per cent more than at the Leicester Mercury, a difference of £4,000.

The 40-strong Mercury NUJ chapel will now meet on Thursday to decide on what type of action to take and its exact timing. Action could then take place from seven days after that decision.

Editor Nick Carter called for “responsible action” from the union before committing to its next move.

It is the first time in decades that the Northcliffe-owned Mercury has faced industrial action.

Regional organiser for the NUJ, Chris Morley, said: “There is massive discontent about pay at the Mercury and NUJ members are determined to win a fair deal.

“The fact that the paper’s journalists haven’t taken industrial action in decades speaks volumes about how our members feel. The Mercury’s management ignore that strength of feeling at their peril.”

He added that he hoped a negotiated settlement could be found.

Editor Nick Carter said that only half he union members were in favour of industrial action – and the figures added up to just 21 per cent of editorial staff.

He said today: “When the union first sought recognition from this company, it stated that it had 52 members.

“Nearly one year later, when this ballot was first called, membership had fallen to 44.

“Out of those 44 union members, only 35 voted in the ballot.

“Out of the 35 who voted, 21 voted for strike action and 22 for action short of a strike.

“It would appear that only half the total union membership and just 21 per cent of the total bargaining unit are in favour of industrial action.

“Given the numbers involved, we hope the union will act responsibly before committing members at this newspaper to industrial action that could damage our relationship with our readers and hinder the progress we are seeking to make on newspaper sales in a difficult market.”