27/08/2008

Although yet to be confirmed by the National Union of Journalists, it is believed that a ballot of its members on industrial action at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail newspapers has produced a mixed bag of results that will give succour to both the union and the titles' management.

The ballot was called a fortnight ago amid concerns of insufficient staffing levels. And there is a jobs freeze at the titles.

According to figures received by allmediascotland.com, 91 per cent of those who voted said they wished industrial action, short of strike action. Meanwhile, 74 per cent of those who voted said Yes to strike action.

However, only 74 ballot papers were returned, from 216 issued - a 34 per cent response.

The NUJ's Scottish Organiser, Paul Holleran, is on holiday and was therefore unavailable for comment.

Record publishers, Trinity Mirror, last week announced cuts of up to 65 editorial jobs at its English Midlands centres, including Birmingham and Coventry. All the journalists at the affected titles were handed redundancy notices and told that they will need to apply for new positions as part of a shake up.

* Send your Scottish media news and gossip, in the strictest confidence, to  info@allmediascotland.com