The pay dispute between Newsquest Bradford and the National Union of Journalists has been resolved with an across-the-board £500 pay rise.

NUJ journalists – about half the total editorial staff of 90 – had carried out a half-day strike last week in protest at a 2.5 per cent pay offer and were due to mount a full day of action today. Future strike action has been called off.

The local chapel of the NUJ has accepted a package of measures including the pay increase of £500 or 2.5 per cent, whichever was the greater, new pay scales and a rise in the minimum starting salary.

The deal means journalists on less than £20,000-a-year will get a pay rise greater than 2.5 per cent.

Newsquest Bradford managing director Tim Blott said: “I am delighted we have found a mutually acceptable solution.”

The action had centered on the Telegraph & Argus in central Bradford, the Keighley News in Shipley, the lkley Gazette, the Craven Herald in Skipton and the Wharfdale Observer in Otley. Production of the newspapers went ahead as normal.

NUJ general secretary John Foster said: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped to resolve this dispute.”

Other agreements to come out of the dialogue surrounding the dispute include an increase in the minimum wage for juniors from £10,500 to £12,000 and in the senior starting rate for weekly journalists from £14,000 to £15,000.

Talks will continue on a range of other issues including sick pay, holidays and training.

The NUJ chapel has donated £500 from its strike fund to the Bradford Can… Appeal as a thank you to everyone who offered them support.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]