Both sides have both called for last-minute talks in a bid to avert a strike by more than 1,000 journalists.

The National Union of Journalists and Reach plc have both claimed they are open to negotiations as editorial staff at the group prepare for the first day of a four-day walkout next Friday.

However, Reach has remained steadfast in its assertion that there will be no increased pay offer put on the table – despite demands by the NUJ that this should form part of any deal.

The union previously rejected a salary increase of 3pc or £750, whichever is more, for its members at Reach on the grounds that such a raise would not be enough to help journalists to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.

Posting on Twitter, the NUJ’s official account said yesterday: “In just over a week, NUJ members at Reach will strike in their fight for a fair, decent pay rise.

“The NUJ is open and willing to negotiate an improved pay award but Reach is refusing to engage.

“We know many of you stand in solidarity with members and your messages are seen.

“New and old members of the NUJ – the union is here to support and protect you.

“We balloted over 1,000 journalists and the message back was clear – Reach’s failure to offer a fair package means members will take action.”

The vote on potential action was called after talks between the union and Reach over a possible pay increase broke down last month, with the NUJ encouraging its members to vote yes to both strike action and to action short of strikes.

A subsequent round of talks conducted through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, in which Reach offered enhanced redundancy terms for some staff, failed to produce a settlement.

The publisher later withdrew the redundancy terms offer, aimed at journalists on Local World and Express & Star contracts, and claimed in a memo to staff that any action would only cause “absolute minimum” disruption to their titles’ operations.

The results of the ballot revealed 79pc of those who returned their paper were in favour of strike action and 88pc were in favour of action short of a strike.

Two strikes will now be held lasting 24 hours, on Friday 26 August and Wednesday 31 August respectively, as well as a two-day walkout on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 September.

A “work to rule” action will also take place from 1 September to 13 September.

In response to the NUJ’s tweets, a Reach spokesperson told HTFP: “While our position on the pay offer remains unchanged, we have always been open to further discussions with the NUJ to work together to resolve this dispute, and that remains the case.”