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Weetabix workers have voted to go on strike in the new year in a dispute over a new 24/7 shift pattern.

Members of trade union USDAW backed industrial action by 9-1 on a turnout of almost 70 per cent.

The union said action will affect workplaces in Corby and Kettering, with the first strike taking place in the new year.

Each strike will run for 24 hours, with no more than one stoppage in a single week.

Ed Leach of Usdaw said: "Despite long and detailed discussions, the company has so far refused to offer a suitable financial incentives for employees who have moved shift or will be expected to move onto the new 24/7 shift pattern.

"As a result of the failure to agree, Usdaw conducted a ballot for industrial action and members have overwhelmingly backed a series of 24-hour strikes.

"It is deeply regrettable that the company has pushed staff to this point and we hope that they will look again at their offer, continue to negotiate with us and seek a solution that will avoid the industrial action backed by our members."

It comes on the back of strikes by rail workers, Post Office staff and British Airways cabin crew over the Christmas period.

Weetabix, which includes Alpen and Ready Brek as well, exports its brands to more than 80 countries and employs 1,800 people globally.