A regional daily’s news editor has left the newspaper claiming his request to continue partially working from home was “rejected”.

Adam Smith has revealed his departure from Brighton daily The Argus, saying his treatment is not in line with other journalists at Newsquest who have hybrid working arrangements.

Last year, Newsquest urged staff to spend some time each week working from newspaper offices following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions and has also cited its hybrid working model as a positive selling point when recruiting staff.

Adam, pictured, revealed he had resigned from his role saying a request to work two days a week from home had been turned down.

Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “I’m leaving my current role at The Argus following the rejection of a flexible working application.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with so many talented young reporters during the last couple of years and I’m proud of the stories we’ve broken, often in challenging circumstances.

“I’m now looking for new opportunities on a hybrid, agile or remote basis.

“I’ve worked in and around journalism for the last 12 years and my experience includes writing, editing, and training.”

Adam began his career with the Wales News Service in 2011 after training at Cardiff University. He worked for the BBC from 2016 until 2020, when he joined the Argus.

Speaking to HTFP, Adam said: “I was disappointed that my request to continue working from home for a couple of days a week was rejected, a decision that feels out of step with the industry.

“It also comes as a surprise given the Argus editor currently works from home for part of the week, while Newsquest news editors in other parts of the country also continue to work on a hybrid or remote basis.

“While working from home, including during the Covid-19 pandemic when the Argus did not have an office, I successfully led a team that broke many first-class stories, including our investigation into Brighton’s historic seafront lights being offered up for sale on Facebook.

“Regardless of the circumstances of my departure, I feel proud of the agenda-setting journalism I’ve had a hand in, not least our exclusive on the Green council leader travelling by plane to the climate change conference in Glasgow, a story that was picked up around the world.

“More than anything else, I feel privileged to have played a small part in kickstarting the careers of so many talented young reporters – with journalists who have left the Argus in recent years going on to work for the Daily Mail, The Sun and the BBC.

“The Argus has a great team at the moment and I love working with them. I feel truly sorry to be leaving but I’ve got to do what’s right for me and ultimately I’m excited for whatever comes next.

“While it’s unfortunate that Newsquest could not accommodate my request, it’s clear that hybrid work is here to stay with many organisations embracing the benefits.

“In the meantime, I’m on the lookout for any work opportunities. As an experienced journalist and editor, I hope to continue making a positive impact in the industry and I’m always open to new challenges.”

Newsquest has declined to respond to Adam’s comments.