Nuclear defence workers to strike over pay

Workers at the Atomic Weapons Establishment have voted to strike later this month

Workers at a nuclear warhead factory are set to strike in a dispute over pay, their union has announced.

Members of Prospect at Berkshire-based Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) will walk out for 24 hours on 24 January, after two months of other forms of industrial action.

The company is facing "a recruitment and retention crisis" and risks "being unable to fulfil its critical role in safeguarding our national security" if pay is not improved, Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy warned.

A spokesperson for AWE said it was "disappointed" about the strike and that "pre-planned contingency measures" would be "implemented as required to maintain the safety and security of our sites".

'No option'

Of AWE's 6,000 employees, Prospect said it represented "a large number" of staff, including scientists, engineers and administrative staff.

Action short of a strike started in mid-November and will continue before and after the walkout.

"Our members at AWE who maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent have been left with no option but to strike," said Mr Clancy.

"There is already a recruitment and retention crisis at AWE," he went on.

"If nothing is done to improve pay then the company will be unable to compete for skills and risks being unable to fulfil its critical role in safeguarding our national security."

AWE said safety at the sites was its "highest priority".

Mr Clancy said AWE continued to "neither bring any meaningful change to the table, or indeed explain any of its previous decisions on pay in a satisfactory manner".

He added there was "still time to avoid this action if the employer comes back to the table with an improved offer and a genuine commitment to open engagement".

AWE said the pay offer was "competitive" and that it would "continue to seek a resolution with Prospect".

Prospect members at the organisation last voted to strike in November 2022.

That strike was averted after AWE offered an average 5% pay rise with a £2,275 pre-tax lump sum.