Local democracy reporters working in a regional publisher’s newsrooms have won union recognition.

The National Union of Journalists says the Central Arbitration Committee has confirmed its application to secure trade union recognition for local democracy reporters at Newsquest.

The NUJ says representatives from the company and the union will now “work together to draw up a new recognition agreement”.

Newsquest was awarded 17 contracts to oversee a total of 37 reporters when the BBC-funded scheme was launched.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet, pictured, said: “This is brilliant news for the union and the result is a testament to the collective hard work and persistence of NUJ members and reps working as local democracy reporters throughout Newsquest.”

The NUJ first launched a bid to set up group chapels for the 150 journalists employed by various regional publishing groups under the BBC-funded scheme in 2018.

Newsquest declined to comment when approached by HTFP.