Journalists at Guardian News and Media are to receive a three per cent pay rise this year and next, under a new deal negotiated between management and the National Union of Journalists.

The NUJ has been in negotiations with the company over staff pay and changes to roles and titles, after the title announced last June that it was moving towards a digital-first strategy.

The union's deputy general secretary Barry Fitzpatrick said in a release: "I am pleased that we have reached an agreement after what has been, at times, hard and difficult negotiations.

"This agreement, covering 2011-2013 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 as 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. We are aware that the Guardian is looking to make savings and  that is why we need to keep on talking."

Earlier this month, it was announced that Guardian editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger had volunteered to take a 10 per cent pay cut. The NUJ has called for other newspaper bosses to do the same.