Uniq supplies Marks & Spencer with food products

About 500 workers at the Uniq Prepared Foods Plant were balloted with the result overwhelmingly in favour.

The Annan-based processor, formerly known as Pinney's of Scotland, is one of the country's biggest suppliers of smoked salmon and other fish products.

The company supplies food to major retailers including Marks & Spencer and employs 1,000 people on two sites.

The turnout in the strike ballot was nearly 70% with 86% in favour of strike action and 92% for action short of a stoppage.

The company declined to comment on the dispute.

But a spokesman said management had made two offers so far and further talks were planned for 16 August.

Workers 'determined'

TGWU regional industrial organiser Mick Higgins said many workers at Uniq earned only the minimum wage.

"This vote reflects their determination to earn a decent wage," he said.

"The company has no excuse for poverty pay. It has announced an operating profit increase of 46%, taking profits to �39.5m."

After talks involving both sides failed to find a settlement, the arbitration service, Acas, was brought in but a solution could not be reached.

Uniq had offered a 3% inflation-only rise, which was rejected by union members, Mr Higgins added.