Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has announced strike action by factory workers at its Rugeley plant, in Staffordshire, has been averted with an “agreed resolution” now in place.

The GMB Union reported 87% of its members at the Ideal Standard Rugeley had backed strike action over  “years of real term pay cuts”.

It also stated workers had been disappointed by a pay increase that it stated would not correct previous below inflation pay.

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Speaking at the time of voting for industrial action, GMB regional organiser Justine Jones said: “Every worker deserves decent pay – but years of below inflation pay have left Ideal Standard’s workers struggling financially, especially as we are still in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

“We have engaged with the company in good faith, showing clearly what the workers deserve following years of below par pay increases and the employer needs to take their employees seriously.

“Ideal Standard need to come to the table with a decent offer, otherwise these workers will be left with no choice but to take strike action.”

Commenting on the negotiations, which took place today (on August 9) an Ideal Standard spokesperson said: “Following pay negotiations between Ideal Standard leadership and representatives of the GMB Union, there is now an agreed resolution at Ideal Standard’s Armitage site.

“GMB Unions are recommending members accept Ideal Standard’s offer at an upcoming ballot.

“The UK manufacturing site is important to the Ideal Standard business, and the joint negotiation committee are pleased to have a positive outcome from today’s meeting.”