Guardian News and Media agrees 3% pay rise for journalists

Guardian News and Media has agreed a 3% pay rise for journalists for 2012 and 2013.

The deal was reached through negotiations between the media group and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

A spokesperson for Guardian News and Media said: “We are pleased to reach an agreement with the NUJ in which its members will receive the equivalent of a 3%, flat-rated increase for 2011/12 and 2012/13.

“This approach means that lower-paid editorial staff will receive more than 3% and those paid above average will receive less than 3%.

“It was agreed with a joint statement about working with the union† owards a common objective: the best possible sustainable future for our journalism.”

Barry Fitzpatrick, deputy general secretary at the NUJ, added: “I am pleased we have reached an agreement after what has been, at times, hard and difficult negotiations.

“This agreement, covering 2012-2013 will give us the stability to enable us to continue discussions over a range of other issues at the Guardian.

“The roles of journalists are changing [because] new technology has radically changed the industry and the way our members’ work.We need to address the rapid pace of change and ensure that journalists’ skills are recognised and remunerated.

“The test is to ensure that the new roles and working practices also ensure high-quality journalism.”