Strike action at helicopter plant

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About 1,700 workers at helicopter firm Agusta Westland have started a 24-hour strike, in the first of four planned walkouts.

Staff at the firm are protesting at plans to change the way pensionable salary is calculated, and to close the final salary scheme to new entrants.

The Yeovil-based aerospace company is currently facing a £94m shortfall in its final salary scheme.

It said it was disappointed industrial action was being taken.

In a statement, Agusta Westland said: "The company has been in consultation regarding the proposed pension scheme changes for more than a year and has made a number of concessions to the original proposals."

It added that it would put £30m into the final salary scheme but it was up to workers to make up the rest.

Colin Rose, of the union Amicus, said: "The mood is determined but we do want to find a result."

He added that there were about 90 people on the picket lines.