JOURNALISTS at the Warrington Guardian began industrial action yesterday, Wednesday.

It was the first of two 24-hour strikes by members of the National Union of Journalists at Newsquest North West titles in Cheshire.

A second day of industrial action is planned for next Tuesday.

The protest is due to seven proposed job losses across the 12 titles in the group.

Group editor for the titles, Nicola Priest, said: “It is disappointing that the NUJ chapel has decided to go on strike before the end of the consultation period and when meaningful dialogue has been ongoing.”

A 30-day consultation is currently in place to decide who is at risk.

Chris Hughes, regional managing director for Newsquest’s north west division, said: “Sadly, we are not immune from the effects of the current economic cycle.

“The local and regional press, like many other businesses, face extremely difficult decisions.

“Job losses are always the act of last resort. Unfortunately, to protect the long term interests of the newspapers we publish, we have to reduce our operating costs across all disciplines, including editorial.”