A dispute over pay at the South London Guardian has come to an end, after journalists there accepted a three per cent pay offer.

National Union of Journalists members at the Newsquest-owned title last month staged three days of strike action in protest at the offer.

But at a chapel meeting yesterday members voted to accept the three per cent on the proviso that negotiations on next year’s pay claim begin immediately.

Father of chapel David Tilley said this meant they would be able to submit a pay claim before the company sets its budget in October.

He told HoldtheFrontPage: “There has been movement on both sides. Now we have got to hammer out the details to get the best settlement for our members next year.”

The three per cent rise will be backdated to April 1. The procedure for time off in lieu will also be formalised.