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November 21, 2008

Newsquest follows Trinity Mirror and freezes pay

By Dominic Ponsford

Newsquest has become the latest regional newspaper publisher to freeze pay for its employees.

The move follows the axing of journalism jobs across its network of local papers in recent months

Staff at a number of Newsquest dailies have received the same note from management in what is believed to be a group-wide move.

It states: “In the light of further deterioration in trading conditions, we have decided that no pay rises are being made following the January 2009 review.

“An additional assessment of pay will take place on 1 April 2009 and any increase awarded at that time will apply from 1 April 2009. We will consult you nearer the time over what level of award, if any, will be made.

“Following that April assessment, the next pay review for eligible employees will be on 1 January 2010.”

Earlier this year journalists at Newsquest York went on strike before finally accepting a three per cent pay offer.

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Press Gazette understands that a three per cent offer had been on the table for the latest pay review at York before news of the freeze was handed down.

The latest pay freeze echoes a similar move made by Trinity Mirror earlier this week.

It told staff across the group that the annual pay review had been cancelled in favour of a staff incentive scheme.

Management said that any staff involved in industrial action would not qualify for any incentive payouts.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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