Workers set for Sellafield action

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Workers at the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing site in Cumbria could take industrial action, despite almost half of staff agreeing a new pay deal.

About 2,600 GMB members are due to start a period of work-to-rule on Friday, after rejecting a 2% pay offer.

On Monday it emerged 4,600 members of Prospect, the largest union at the site, which employs 10,000 staff, voted to accept a deal worth a total of 3.7%.

The GMB warned its members would strike if an improved offer was not made.

The Unite union, which represents remaining staff, also voted for industrial action.

Efficiency targets

The GMB said its members would take action short of a strike from Friday, but warned that stoppages could be held next month.

Its members voted to reject the proposed pay rise offer and back strike action earlier this month.

Spokesman Steve Gibbons said: "GMB have put proposals to the company which we believe can resolve this situation.

"We believe the action will have a major effect on the company, preventing it from achieving its efficiency targets for this year.

"A failure by the company to settle this dispute will inevitable lead to full strike action in October."

Management at Sellafield have urged union members to settle the row as a matter of urgency.