NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS general secretary Michelle Stanistreet yesterday announced she was stepping down after 13 years in the role.

In an email to members, she said had been “dealing with some challenging health issues in the last few years,” adding: “The days when the role of union general secretary was a run-up to retirement are behind us.

“Every organisation needs creative change, and I think everyone in a leadership position knows when the time comes to move on.