Staff at Sky News are preparing to unionise in protest against pay and working conditions, dealing a blow to the broadcaster as it prepares for the US election.

It is understood that a group of employees at the channel have held preliminary talks with the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) about joining the group.

It comes amid growing disquiet among journalists about short-staffing at Sky after freelance budgets were slashed over the summer.

One insider said: “Salaries haven’t kept up with costs, the hours are tough, and it’s all made worse by cutting freelancers. When people are off sick that puts added pressure on assistant editors and producers. 

“Editors and producers can’t afford to live, let alone buy properties, on these wages, all the while being asked to do more with fewer resources. I regularly hear editors joke about how much work Sky can make you do before you drop dead.”

Employees have also voiced concerns about the expectation to take on more senior roles without extra pay when the channel is short of staff.

In an email to workers last month, Sky News’ head of TV output Ronan Hughes defended the policy, saying: “There is no better way to develop, hone new skills and grow in editorial confidence than being given the opportunity to act up and stretch yourself.”

Some staff members said they felt unionisation was the only route for driving change at the channel. Sky News does not formally recognise the NUJ and instead encourages employees to voice concerns through an internal forum.