Unite balloted its members in August after the introduction of a nationwide pay freeze announced last November. Unite members voted in favour of industrial action short of a strike, however, the vote was marred by a low turnout.

Trinity Mirror spokesman said: "We are encouraged that Unite members have rejected strike action and that, of those balloted, only 26% voted in favour of action short of a strike.

"However it is extraordinary that Unite are proposing to continue with any form of industrial action given that they themselves describe the turnout as disappointing.

"We should now all be concentrating our efforts on continuing to steer the business through some of the most challenging trading conditions the industry has ever faced."

Members voted against a strike, but opted for industrial action, which could include a go slow and overtime ban.

Unite is now attempting to enter negotiations with Trinity before any action takes place. The union has 28 days from the conclusion of the ballot, 27 August, to take action.