Sellafield workers vote in favour of strike action

About 1,500 staff working for 36 contractors were balloted

Workers at the Sellafield nuclear site have voted in favour of strike action, a union has confirmed.

Unite balloted 1,500 workers employed by 36 contractors at the Cumbria plant as part of a long-running dispute over pay.

The union accused contractors of refusing requests for "site specific allowances" relating to those working on advanced technologies projects.

Sellafield Ltd has been contacted for comment, but has previously said it did not directly employ those affected and "safety and security" would be its priority.

Sellafield in West Cumbria is the UK's largest nuclear site and manages more radioactive waste than any other facility in the world.

The union said 90% of those who voted were in favour of strike action.

It added that next steps would be announced in due course.