Further talks between union Unite and white goods manufacturer Indesit UK were held yesterday, the union has confirmed - just as the second of three strikes by drivers and warehouse staff was due to begin.  

The 48-hour strike, scheduled to begin at 6am yesterday, followed a 24-hour strike held on Friday 21 August. A further 24-hour strike is currently due to be held on 1 September.

The three strikes, involving Unite’s 210 members and affecting 12 Indesit sites, were announced by the union earlier this month in response to a long-running dispute with the firm over pay awards in the last two years.

Last-ditch talks between the two sides held just before the first strike last Friday failed to produce any resolution and no further talks were planned at that time.

A spokesman for Unite could not confirm yesterday whether the second strike had definitely gone ahead but revealed further talks were taking place between the union and the company.

A spokesman for Indesit UK declined to comment.