Wincanton staff on Worksop B&Q contract mull new pay offer but strikes continue

Wincanton staff on the B&Q contract in Worksop have been given an improved pay offer, according to the Unite union.

A dispute over pay affecting 450 workers at the distribution warehouse has been going on since November, with a series of strikes organised in protest over pay rates.

The union claimed some are on as low as £9.96 an hour.

At the end of last month, Unite took the dispute to a jobs fair organised by conservative MP Brendan Clarke-Smith after it claimed he had refused to offer support to the staff.

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It said he issued a “noncommittal and ambiguous statement” and then later suggested on Facebook that a Unite member cancelled their union membership in order to save £15 a month.

However, Unite said progress now appeared to have been made after Wincanton suggested a new pay rate.

Garry Guye, union regional officer, said: “Following negotiations with Unite, Wincanton has put forward an improved pay offer to our members.

“Strikes will continue while workers vote on whether to accept the offer or not, with the results expected at the end of next week.

“As the offer is under consideration we will be making no further comment at this time.”

A Wincanton spokeswoman said: “We value the vital work our colleagues carry out every day. We have put forward a revised offer that is fair and competitive. Unite has fully recommended this offer, which is a positive step forward. We await the results of the upcoming ballot.”