Tetley Tea workers pay walkout resolved

The Tetley site in Stockton-on-Tees supplies 30% of the UK's tea

A pay dispute that led to walkouts at a Tetley Tea factory has been resolved.

Workers at the site in Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, walked out in September and October following accusations by unions of "poverty pay" for its mainly female workforce.

Tata Consumer Products, which runs the facility, said a "satisfactory resolution to the pay dispute" had been reached and accepted by both the Unite and GMB unions and members.

Unite said it was pleased with the company's improved offer and the GMB said workers "can get back to making the UK's favourite brew again".

The Tetley site in Eaglescliffe is the firm's biggest, and supplies 30% of the UK's tea.

A revised two-year pay deal had been accepted by the unions, Tata Consumer Products said.

A spokesperson added: "We look forward to welcoming all our colleagues back into the business and working together for a productive future."

GMB organiser Paul Clarke said he was pleased the company "got back round the table" to reach a deal.

"These workers have fought hard to get the pay rise they deserve - 10% over two years - which they've overwhelmingly accepted," Mr Clarke added.