JP journalists in Sheffield to ballot on strike

Johnston Press journalists threatened with a new wave redundancies in Sheffield are to ballot over taking possible strike action.

Eight jobs have been earmarked to go across the Doncaster Free Press, Derbyshire Times, Sheffield Star and its sister title the Sheffield Telegraph, including two photographers and production journalists.

NUJ Northern organiser Chris Morley said: “Although good progress was made in talks with the company about eliminating the need to make compulsory redundancies at Sheffield, the chapel was not sufficiently reassured at this stage that all its members would have their situation resolved to their satisfaction.

“We are therefore conducting a ballot for industrial action at Sheffield Newspapers to safeguard our members against the prospect of forced job losses until we have complete assurance otherwise.”

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: “Johnston Press needs its journalists and losing experienced, talented, loyal staff who are passionate about the communities they serve, and the consequential impact on content and quality will do nothing to make more readers turn to their local newspapers, whether in print or online.”