Journalists at titles including the South Yorkshire Times are returning to work for a week
Credit: NUJJournalists at South Yorkshire Newspapers have voted unanimously to return to work after eight weeks out on strike.
The National Union of Journalists said in a statement that reporters at four titles within the Johnston Press company – the Doncaster Free Press, Epworth Bells, Selby Times and the South Yorkshire Times - would return tomorrow "to allow for the start of negotiations".
The union's northern and midlands organiser Chris Morley told Journalism.co.uk the strike would be suspended for seven days, after the company agreed to talks.
Strike action began in July after staff were told of proposals for 18 job cuts in South Yorkshire and Humberside, the closure of the Goole Courier's office and the scrapping of the editor's role at both the Courier and South Yorkshire Times.
Editor of the South Yorkshire Times Jim Oldfield, who was praised by the NUJ after he published a front page story on the cuts on the title's front page, was made redundant last month.
Last month, chief executive John Fry told the union he would not consider bringing in conciliation service ACAS to help resolve the strike, saying the company preferred to "talk directly with out colleagues".
The union says it is now hopeful it will be able to find "common ground" with Johnston Press, but has not ruled out further action.
"We have offered the company several opportunities to talk and been rebuffed," reporter Martin Herron said a release.
"However South Yorkshire Newspapers have now agreed that we can return to work without cancelling any further industrial action.
"Given that, we feel it is in everyone's interest - the readers', the company's and our own - to return to work to allow talks to begin.
"The chapel is still very much united and we hope we will be able to find common ground with the company which will lead to an improvement in working conditions and in the quality of the newspapers we produce."
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet added: "I am delighted that common sense has prevailed at South Yorkshire Newspapers and meaningful negotiations will start with the chapel.
"We have wanted talks all along and we hope they will be positive and constructive."
In a statement John Bills, managing director of South Yorkshire Newspapers said: "I am pleased that the NUJ Chapel has decided to return to work, enabling us to continue the consultation and communication process.
"In the meantime, those at risk of redundancy have been informed of the outcome and the reorganisation is now complete."
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