Newquest journalists in the North East could strike after 92 per cent of those taking part in an NUJ ballot voted in favour of industrial action against a pay freeze and job cuts.

Management at Newsquest announced last month plans to cut 17 journalists from the Darlington-based Northern Echo and associated weekly titles – almost one in five of the 100 editorial staff. Newsquest are also closing five district offices in Stockton, Redcar, Barnard Castle, Richmond and Thirsk.

The NUJ claims that 74 per cent of Northern Echo journalists are members of the union and said that 83 per cent of those took part in the ballot.