Thousands of Sellafield workers will hold a one-day strike later this month.

Members of GMB, the union for nuclear workers, will walk out on Wednesday, September 27, in a dispute over pay.

They had voted overwhelmingly for industrial action by a ratio of more than three to one in a ballot which closed earlier this month.

The 24-hour strike will take place from 6:01am on Wednesday September 27 and finish at 5:59am on Thursday September 28.

Sellafield is accused of ignoring repeated requests for further talks and instead imposed a below-inflation pay offer of just 1.5 per cent.

Chris Jukes, GMB senior organiser, said: ​"Despite repeated requests by ourselves to try and get Sellafield Management to come to the table to talk, it is clear that Sellafield seem intent on being intransigent and petulant as usual in their attitude to dispute resolution.

“To keep within the law in the meantime, we have to serve notice of action this month. This is a dispute made by management.

“No one likes to take strike action but GMB members have been given a pay cut, on top of a 0.25 per cent increase last year and their pay has failed to keep up with rising prices. Like everyone else, GMB members have bills to pay.

“Meanwhile those at the top seem more interested in their big performance bonuses, as the gulf between them and those working on the shop floor at Sellafield gets ever wider. Clearly GMB members have signalled that they have had enough."

A Sellafield spokesman, said: “We believe that a no-strings attached 1.5 per cent pay increase is fair and reasonable. We made that offer based on company affordability and have been consistent throughout discussions with Unite, Prospect and GMB, who represent different sections of our workforce. Prospect, which has collective bargaining rights for more than half of our workforce, has accepted the offer.

“Our focus, as always, will be to ensure the site remains safe and secure at all times, including during any action which may take place.”