Nearly 800 staff in Haydock voted to throw out the supermarket chain's wage increase offer because it does not match hourly rates of similar workers with other firms in the region.

The decision by the union's members means that unless a revised offer is made a strike ballot will be held in a week's time.

Sainsbury's said it still wants to reach an "amicable agreement" with the workers.

'Broken promise'

Shopworkers' union Usdaw said its members are angry the current �5.75 an hour has not been increased to �8 an hour - the average in the region - but to �7.55.

If a strike takes place, it is likely to be around December 22. Despite being widely reported on Thursday, the ballot for industrial action has yet to be held.

The Haydock depot supplies the company's stores across northern England.

Usdaw area organiser Glen Dyson said: "The workers do not want to take industrial action but they are unhappy at the company's refusal to increase the pay offer to the �8 per hour promised earlier.

"The matter now rests with the company. If they increase the offer to the promised rate, there will be no need for industrial action."

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said on Thursday: "We [want] to prevent industrial action and are hopeful that we will reach an amicable agreement imminently."