MITIE workers are due to begin industrial action at Sellafield in a row over pay.

Members of Unite the Union who include security guards, cleaning, catering and vending staff, were due to strike over pay from Friday for 10 days, but have decided to put off the start date until tomorrow (Wednesday) in a bid to resolve the dispute.

The dispute, which also involves laundry and environmental operatives, is a result of Unite’s 180 members rejecting Mitie’s pay offer, with workers receiving £8.45 an hour.Unite’s members voted by 98 per cent in favour of strike action on a 70 per cent turnout.

A second 10-day strike beginning on May 4 until May 13, remains scheduled to go ahead if there is no resolution to the dispute, the union said.

Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: “Unite members are no longer going to accept rates below the real living wage, when undertaking challenging roles on a maximum security site.”

Police have warned of potential traffic disruptions due to the strike.

A force's spokesman said: "If you live or commute in the Egremont area, please be aware that industrial action is taking place at Sellafield between 5am and 1pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Delays are likely on the A595 and other routes. Please plan your journey accordingly."