Speaking to BJP, a spokeswoman for Guardian News & Media says that the group "has today written to contributors to inform them of changes to our standard terms and conditions for commissioned pictures and stock imagery."

The changes will come into effect from 01 May, and will see GNM apply a 10% reduction to all of its stock imagery rates, "except the top two which shall be reduced by 50%. Our initial proposal was a 15% reduction."

The spokeswoman adds that "the double-page Eyewitness section in the Guardian and The Big Picture section in the Observer will remain negotiable. Our rate for 'live' images sent in on a speculative basis also remain unchanged at £150 per image."

GNM will, on the other hand, increase its day rate from £248.75 to £262.43 and half-day rate from £170.20 to £179.56. "These increases now incorporate the fees we previously paid as supplements for web rights and the NLA, and follow the policy we have had for written contributions for many years to pay inclusive fees. We have taken the decision to remove the 1.5% rights fee for digital editions."

In March, BJP revealed GNM was contemplating the cuts. Read our extended coverage here.

Guardian News & Media is blaiming the changes on "unprecedented trading conditions" and adds that they "are in line with cutbacks across our entire editorial department. The new rates are more transparent and consistent. With particular regard to the stock rates, these remain generous in comparison to many of our competitors. Furthermore, because most stock images are reproduced at a small size attracting the lowest fees, the impact of the percentage change we are proposing will be minimised for individual photographers."

However, the NUJ has expressed its objections to the cuts. "We are shocked that GNM have announced further cuts in photographic rates, especially coming so soon after their decision to cease paying repro fees," says freelance organiser John Toner. "After being presented with GNM's initial cuts, we made clear our objections. And while the reductions have been reduced, we simply cannot endorse this."

He adds: "GNM have informed us that the cuts will take effect from May 1, and we will be advising our members on how to respond."

Article updated at 5pm on 26 April with National Union of Journalists' comments.