By Alan Irving

Last updated 16:01, Wednesday, 21 May 2008

THERE has been no change to the pay offer rejected by Sellafield’s 10,000-strong workforce.

Unions met Sellafield bosses for several hours, last Thursday, but the meeting ended without any amendment to the company’s offer of a two per cent rise on basic bay. Sellafield Ltd has also offered a further two per cent which would be be made through efficiency savings but, so far, this has been rejected.

Industrial and staff union members voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s overall package.

GMB convenor, Peter Kane, confirmed there was no improved cash offer which meant there was nothing further to take back to members. “Things are progressing to the point where we are exchanging ideas with the company. There are other options to consider and we hope this will help towards a settlement.”

Talks will be resumed in June.

The unions have warned that if necessary they will hold a ballot for industrial action.

Sellafield spokes-man, Karl Connor, said: “The latest talks were constructive and we are still hopeful that a resolution can be found.”

Meanwhile, management is getting ready to cope with new legislation, aimed at giving a better deal for the nuclear site’s 1,200 agency workers.

The prime minister, Gordon Brown, said: “It is not fair that even after months in the job agency workers can currently be paid less than the staff they work alongside.”

The government is bringing forward proposals to give so-called temps appropriate protection and fair treatment but business groups fear that it will make for a less flexible and instant staffing option and would force the pay of agency staff downwards.

Sellafield’s Ali McKibbin said: “The number of agency staff supplied to support the site operation has been in steady decline for the last 12 months. It is Capita which actually employs the staff and they are responsible for their pay and conditions. We have not had a chance yet to consider the implications of the proposed new legislation but will be in discussions with Capita to understand what we need to do.”

Copeland MP, Jamie Reed, said it was a historic agreement set to benefit thousands of West Cumbrians”.

He added: “This will affect thousands of temporary and agency workers at Sellafield, in the health service, tourism and service industries.”