Sellafield contract workers set to strike over pay

Sellafield in west Cumbria is the UK's largest nuclear site

Hundreds of contract workers at Sellafield - the UK's largest nuclear site - are set to strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the GMB union employed by Mitie, including cleaners and security staff at the west Cumbrian site, say they will walk out for two weeks from 1 August.

The 200 workers overwhelmingly rejected a 3.5% pay offer, with the union's regional organiser Fran Robson saying: "Without these workers, Sellafield cannot operate safely or securely."

Mitie said it was committed to reaching a resolution and that "strong contingencies" would be put in place to avoid disruption if a strike were to go ahead.

Sellafield manages more radioactive waste than any other nuclear facility in the world.

Ms Robson said: "If Mitie refuses to return to the negotiation table with a meaningful offer, strike action will go ahead, risking significant disruption to this critical nuclear site.

"We call on Mitie to provide a pay rise that genuinely recognises the essential contribution of these workers."

Meanwhile, Mitie said it was in continuous talks with both Sellafield and GMB union to agree an offer.

"As always, our priority is to ensure continued service delivery and in the unfortunate case of a strike going ahead, we will put strong contingencies in place to avoid disruption to the site."

A Sellafield spokesman said it was not involved directly in the dispute but said: "As always, the safety and security of the site, our workforce, and the local community is our priority."

Additional reporting by PA Media