A hardship fund has been launched for striking journalists at Reach plc ahead of their first planned day of action.

National Union of Journalists members at the regional publisher are set to undertake the first walkout of four this coming Friday.

The NUJ has now set up the fund to support those on strike.

Both the union and Reach have called for last-minute talks to avert the action, which comes amid a dispute over pay.

In a message to its members, the NUJ said: “When NUJ members are on strike, all members of the union are encouraged to offer support and show solidarity.

“As NUJ members across Reach gear up for strike action, we are launching a union-wide appeal raising funds for a special NUJ hardship fund.

“All donations will be gratefully received – please also encourage whip-rounds and donations from your chapels and branches.”

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.

Despite saying it remains open to negotiations, Reach has asserted that there will be no increased pay offer put on the table in any talks.

Reach has declined to comment on the fund’s launch.