HOME appliances firm Glen Dimplex has expressed disappointment after a second round of strike action by workers at its Whiston site was confirmed from next week.

Community Union members who work at the factory on Stoney Lane began a course of industrial action earlier this month over pay after negotiations with management at the Irish-headquartered firm reached gridlock.

An initial two-week strike took place from Monday, August 7 and a march and rally was held by Community members in Prescot on August 9.

The Community Union says the company responded to calls for a pay rise for workers by refusing to increase pay and proposing to reduce the working week - a suggestion which it says members at Glen Dimplex have deemed "unacceptable".

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A Community Union statement issued earlier this week said: "Following an initial two-week strike over pay workers at Glendimplex in Prescot are back at work this week, however the dispute is far from over. 

"The workforce has gone back to work for a week whilst working under work-to-rule and overtime ban conditions, this will be followed by a further two-week strike commencing on August 28.

"Initial talks are scheduled through ACAS in an attempt to resolve the dispute, Community will continue to back these workers until a fair offer is made by management – we all hope they see sense and show their workforce the respect they deserve."

A spokesperson from Glen Dimplex Home Appliances said: “We are disappointed that members of the Community Union, who are employed by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances at our Prescot site, have announced their intention to strike for a further two weeks from August 28.

"We have been in discussions with our colleagues, via representatives of the Community Union, for some time with regards their pay increase demands. We can confirm at this stage that we have engaged with ACAS.

"Manufacturing at the Prescot site will continue at reduced levels during the industrial action."