Unite has warned workers at Tarmac Building Products are to take further strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The union said four work stoppages are scheduled to take place at the Stanford Le Hope-based company later this month and into March as the company plans to introduce a 'two tier workforce', with new starters receiving lower pay.

Unite said its members believe if the proposals are not challenged, it will result in cuts to pay and conditions for the entire workforce.

"Hopes of a resolution to the dispute were dashed when the company which had initially indicated that it was prepared to enter into negotiations, failed to make an offer Unite's members would accept, and instead complained about the economic damage the strike was causing to the business,” the union said.

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Three previous strikes were held on 30 January, 06 and 08 February. A further four work stoppages are scheduled to take place on 20, 22 February and then 20, 22 March.

Unite regional officer Guy Langston said: "Unite is preparing to step up strike action in this dispute as a direct result of Tarmac's failure to enter into constructive negotiations.

"This week we believed we had made a breakthrough only for the company to dash our hopes of a settlement by failing to make any kind of offer to resolve this strike.

"If Tarmac is so concerned that the strike is causing damage to its business then the company should sit down with the union and engage in proper negotiations.

"Unite is available for meaningful negotiations at any time, it is time simply waiting for Tarmac to make the next move.

(LM)