Food shortages could 'develop further' -union

Further strike action at a food manufacturing plant could lead to shortages in shops "developing further", a trade union said.

Unite confirmed that continuous strikes will take place from 20 December at the Bakkavor site in Spalding over pay, with 86% of its members at the site voting for industrial action.

Shortages of fish roe dip taramasalata were reported by shoppers in mid-November with Unite stating that further shortages were likely due to strike action at the Spalding site.

Bakkavor stated that a reduced fat sour cream and chive dip was the only item currently not being produced, and said its Christmas products "will not be affected by strike action".

Sam Hennessy, regional officer at Unite, said an "overwhelming majority" of its members voted for a renewed amount of industrial action.

"We've already seen shortages in a number of supermarkets since the dispute has started.

"With the Christmas period and peak rush that we're in, we expect that to develop even further, as a result of the company's unwillingness to negotiate properly and come to a fair pay deal for its staff," he said.

Donna-Maria Lee, chief people officer at Bakkavor, thanked "the majority" of colleagues at the Spalding site, 950 members of staff, who are not taking part in the strike action.

"Bakkavor's improved pay offer to Spalding colleagues amounts to a 7.8% increase to our lowest paid colleagues, 6.4% across all other grades and a discretionary bonus of £350 per person.

"We were very disappointed the union recommended its members reject the pay deal – and the rejection caused an impasse."

Ms Lee said since then, the firm had offered increases to rates of pay and the bonus to all colleagues at the site on an individual basis.

"Already more than 700 colleagues have accepted and welcomed the offer of the new rates - including some strikers who have chosen to end their dispute with the business.

"Despite Unite claims, our pay awards at Spalding have been above inflation over the past three years - something we are proud of given very few businesses have been able to achieve this."

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