Journalists at a group of sister newspapers have voted in favour of strike action in opposition to proposed compulsory redundancies.

The National Union of Journalists has announced its members at National World titles in Scotland, including The Scotsman, have backed the action following a ballot.

According to NUJ Scotland, 93pc of its members at The Scotsman titles voted in favour of strike action on a turnout of 64pc, with 90pc supporting action short of strike.

At National World’s Scottish weeklies, 67pc voted for strike and 73pc action short of strike on a turnout of 65pc.

The ballot was called after an estimated 18 roles were put at risk across the titles as part of a group-wide restructure at National World.

The action prompted Scotsman editor Neil McIntosh to issue a direct plea urging his staff not to go ahead with a ballot, warning it risked “harming” the Edinburgh-based daily.

In response, NUJ national organiser for Scotland John Toner, pictured, said the union was “seeking to protect the jobs of its members”.

Announcing the result of the ballot this afternoon, NUJ Scotland posted on its official Twitter account: “Our members at National World titles in Scotland, including the Scotsman titles, have voted in favour of industrial action to prevent proposed compulsory redundancies at the titles.

“At The Scotsman titles, 93pc voted in favour of strike action, on a turnout of 64pc, with 90pc in favour of action short of a strike.

“At the weeklies, 67pc voted for strike action, on a turnout of 65pc with 73pc in favour of action short of a strike.

“This sends a strong message to National World management that the future of their titles lies in quality journalism and reasonable workloads, and not in constant cuts to those who produce it.

“This result gives us the mandate to bring industrial action at any point during the next six months.

“Our next steps will be guided by our members at the two chapels, and we will be working with them to put pressure on management to rethink their strategy.”

Other titles run by National World in Scotland include the Edinburgh Evening News and Scotland on Sunday, as well as a portfolio of local weeklies including the Falkirk Herald, Fife Free Press, Southern Reporter and Stornoway Gazette.

The company said in a statement: “National World has today received confirmation from the NUJ that NUJ members at our Scotland titles have voted in favour of industrial action.

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for all involved however are disappointed at the stance taken by the NUJ and firmly believe that industrial action is not in the best interests of our staff or our business.”