Talks continue over nuclear warhead workers' strike

Workers said they were angry over the increased payments to the AWE board

Talks are continuing to try to avert the first ever strike at the firm that builds warheads for Trident, the UK's nuclear weapons system.

Staff including nuclear scientists and engineers are planning to walk out of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Berkshire on Wednesday.

More than 1,000 Prospect union members are expected to take part after being offered a pay rise of less than 2%.

AWE has said it is the best offer possible in the economic climate.

Last week, staff at AWE's sites in Aldermaston and Burghfield held a protest in their lunch break - believed to be the first action taken by workers in the company's 50-year history.

Workers 'hopeful'

Prospect, which represents 1,300 of the 4,000 people who work at the sites, says the current pay offer does not reflect the success of the company.

It said workers were angry over the increased payments to the AWE board and level of dividends being paid to its controlling companies.

A Prospect spokesman said talks were continuing on Monday afternoon and that workers were "hopeful the issue can be resolved".

"If not, the strike is going ahead."

An AWE spokesman said: "Talks with Prospect representatives are continuing as we try to find a solution to the dispute."