Spalding Bakkavor factory workers set for five-week strike, which could affect Christmas supplies for major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S

More than 700 workers at a Spalding factory will go on strike for more than a month - which could hit the Christmas supplies for some major supermarkets.

Employees at Bakkavor’s food manufacturing factory will begin industrial action next week over poverty pay, the Unite union has revealed.

A statement by Unite, read: "Many of the workers earn just 1p over the national minimum wage with some being forced to use food banks.

“In March, Bakkavor announced that its adjusted operating profits for 2021 had increased by 22 per cent to £102 million.

“The production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, have rejected a 6.5 per cent pay offer.

“This is a substantial pay cut when the real rate of inflation, RPI, stands at 14.2 per cent.”

The strikes begin on November 25 and will last until January 2 and will impact own brand food products for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The situation these workers face is exactly what is wrong with Britain’s economy today: A company earning millions and millions in profits expecting already low paid workers to take a pay cut while prices soar.

“Unite will not tolerate attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions and our Bakkavor members have the union’s complete backing as they strike for a better deal.”

Unite say More strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Strikes were due to take place in early November but were postponed to allow for an amended pay offer to be voted on.

The workforce overwhelmingly rejected the offer and negotiations between Unite and Bakkavor have since collapsed.

Unite regional officer Ravinder Assi said: “Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S all have a case to answer if they do not pressure Bakkavor to use some of its massive profits to give these workers a proper pay rise.

“Supermarket customers will be appalled to know that the own-brand goods they are buying are made by supply chain workers who are being treated so disgracefully.

“Bakkavor can well afford to put forward an offer our members can accept and needs to do so.”