Local journalists have passed a vote of no confidence in BBC senior management as they prepare to take fresh strike action.

The National Union of Journalists has held a vote of members working in local journalism at the BBC, with 93 per cent confirming they no longer have confidence in the team.

The vote took place amid the ongoing dispute between the NUJ and BBC over changes to jobs and local radio programmes.

The results of the survey come ahead of a new 48-hour strike at the corporation on Wednesday and Thursday.

Paul Siegert, the NUJ’s national broadcasting organiser, said: “Members have shared their disappointment over the treatment of colleagues who have had to re-apply for their jobs.

“Results of the vote indicate the strength of feeling among journalists, alongside frustrations about the BBC’s handling of the dispute.

“Members want to avoid strike action and remain doing the jobs they love.

“It’s for this reason, the NUJ is urging the BBC to reconsider its plans that will leave a lasting impact on local radio.”

The dispute began in October after the BBC announced the proposed loss of 139 radio roles, with all existing radio staff having to reapply for their own jobs, and a concurrent investment in local digital journalism to create 131 new jobs.

The NUJ says less sharing of programmes at weekends and during the week is needed for the row to be settled.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We understand this is a difficult period of change for many colleagues and we will continue to support everyone affected by the plans to strengthen our local online services across news and audio.

“Our goal is to deliver a local service across TV, radio and online that offers more value to more people in more local communities.

“While the plans do impact on individual roles, we are maintaining our overall investment in local services and expect our overall level of editorial staffing across England to remain unchanged.”