Editorial staff at South Yorkshire Newspapers were today due to return to their desks, following a ten-day walkout in a protest over pay.

The move will signal a resumption of talks between union representatives and SYN management after both sides agreed to consider a two-year pay deal.

Negoiations had stalled after National Union of Journalists members, unhappy with a pay rise offer of 2.75 per cent, voted to strike and began industrial action which also included a work to rule policy and earlier walkouts on July 12, 18 and 19.

A stalemate ensued as NUJ members said they would only return to work if management offered “constructive talks” and the company said it would only do so if the threat of industrial action was removed, but a meeting last Thursday broke the ice.

Further strike action has been suspended while a new pay deal is drawn up over the next few weeks.

NUJ deputy father of chapel Darren Burke said: “The support we have had from members of the public, other NUJ chapels, other unions as well as advertisers and readers has been absolutely fantastic.

“People have really come out and shown their support for us over the past few weeks and we are extremely grateful for all the help and financial donations we have received from across the country.

“We are keen to return to work and also the negotiating table so the issues which we have can be addressed as quickly as possible.”

South Yorkshire Newspapers publishes the Doncaster Free Press, Doncaster Advertiser, South Yorkshire Times, Epworth Bells, Goole Courier, Gainsborough Standard and the Community Newsletter.