A strike-hit publisher is to pay its journalists £400 to help deal with the cost-of-living crisis – but union chiefs have demanded more action on wages to resolve the dispute.

Reach plc has announced it will make two one-off payments to staff to those earning under £50,000, following the first of four days of planned strike action on Wednesday.

After the walkout over pay, National Union of Journalists members at Reach began a “work to rule” action that will last until Tuesday 13 September, with a further three-day strike due to take place after that.

The publisher previously stated it would not be improving its salary increase offer of 3pc or £750, whichever is more, and the union has said the “change of position is welcome”.

However, the NUJ has also accused Reach senior executives of trying to “buy off further strike action” as its reps at the publisher prepare for a scheduled meeting to discuss the development.

Chris Morley, pictured, Reach NUJ national coordinator, said: “Our members are bemused that senior managers have acted in such an ill-judged and blundering way.

“It gives the lie to the company’s ability to improve its pay offer but also manages to disrespect our members and the union they wish to have their pay and conditions negotiated through.

“The best that can be said is that this could be the opening needed to start a more productive dialogue which can navigate a successful way out of this dispute for the company.

“As such, we would urge the company to now come forward with a sensible pay package for journalists that could form the basis for settlement.

“Our members simply want fair treatment from a profitable and cash generative business in a time of deep financial crisis for them and their families.”

HTFP has approached Reach for a response to the NUJ’s comments.