MARKS & Spencer distribution drivers will stage a third day of strike action in a dispute over redundancy payments, their union Usdaw announced today.

The drivers will strike for 24 hours on July 1 at a depot in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, which is set to close next month.

They are employed by haulage firm DHL, which is contracted by M&S to deliver goods from the depot.

The workers are urging local MPs to support their action and join them on the picket line.

Usdaw area organiser Ed Leach said: “Long-serving employees, who have given decades of loyal service, deserve to be treated fairly through a difficult redundancy process.

“We have tried to resolve this through Acas, but the company still would not improve on their initial offer. 

“So we are now looking for support from local MPs to encourage the company back to the negotiating table in an attempt to secure a resolution to the ongoing dispute.”

An M&S spokesperson said: “DHL is working closely with the colleagues at the site. Moving our operations is not a decision we took lightly but it’s an important change for our supply chain to help us best serve our customers longer term.”