Fresh talks are to take place between unions and employers as a dispute over bonus pay continues at the £18 billion Hinkley Point C project in Somerset.

Members of Unite and GMB overwhelming rejected a proposed pay bonus offered by BYLOR, a consortium led by Laing O'Rourke and which also involves French company Bouygues TP.

Unions are concerned that the proposed bonus rates are not adequate enough to attract the most skilled workers to make sure the multi-billion pound development is completed on time.

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Unite acting national officer for construction Jerry Swain said the union is hoping fresh talks with employers will lead to a sensible bonus which "meets the expectations of the workforce and ensures the project is delivered on time".

"Members have overwhelmingly rejected BYLOR's proposed bonus which in no way meets workers' expectations or the requirements of the project," he said.

"In the face of a looming industrial dispute the client has shown good sense and has stepped in to try to resolve the problem."

Phil Whitehurst, GMB national officer for construction, said: "Our members gave this derisory bonus offer the short shrift it deserved by overwhelmingly voting it down.

"If the companies want to avoid strike action, they need to make us a serious offer, which matches our members' skills level, when we get back round the table.

"If they don't, they could be facing an industrial dispute and delays to the whole Hinkley Point project."

(LM)