A WAGE dispute involving hundreds of workers at sugar factories in the east of England has ended after they won a “sweet pay deal,” their union Unite announced today.

The workers at domestic sugar producer British Sugar voted to accept an improved offer of a 3.5 per cent pay rise, following the rejection of a 2 per cent offer made by the company previously.

A strike ballot of 500 technicians, engineers and supply-chain operatives at its Newark, Wissington, Cantley and Bury St Edmunds factories has now been cancelled.

Unite regional officer Mark Plumb said: “This sweet pay deal was achieved because our members stood firm in demanding a rise that reflected their hard work and dedication to British Sugar. 

“It is a prime example of what can be achieved through strong union organisation, which is why we urge workers looking to improve their pay and terms and conditions to join Unite and to get their colleagues to do the same.

“Unite looks forward to working productively with British Sugar in the future for the best interests of our members, as the company continues to go from strength to strength.”