Atomic Weapons Establishment strike: 24-hour walk-out begins

An AWE spokesman said it had undertaken "detailed contingency planning" to maintain the site's safety

A 24-hour strike is under way at a nuclear weapons factory responsible for making Britain's Trident warheads.

Staff at Berkshire's Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) started industrial action at 07:00 GMT over pension changes.

The Prospect union said members voted to go ahead with the walk-out following a "derisory pension offer".

An AWE spokesman said it had undertaken "detailed contingency planning" to maintain the site's safety.

He added: "AWE's commitment is to put in place future pension arrangements which ensure the long-term affordability of the scheme."

The union said its members will hold a rally and protest march at the Aldermaston facility.

It said 87% of members who took part in the ballot voted in favour of the action. Turnout was 68%.