Strike action at Ashby's KP Snacks factory is only expected to cause 'minimal disruption' to shop supplies of their most popular crisp products ahead of Christmas, the manufacturer says.

The Grocer website reports that Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive & Allied Workers) opened a formal ballot for its members on November 1, over a pay dispute.

Last week, the union announced its members at KP Snacks Ashby-de-la-Zouch – where Skips and Hula Hoops products are manufactured – had voted by nearly 80 per cent in favour of the strike, with action to commence in the week beginning next Monday December 9.

Usdaw area organiser Ed Leach said: "This overwhelming result clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling among our members and we urge management to immediately come back to the table to negotiate a fair pay deal and avoid disruption to the business in the busy pre-Christmas period.

He added that pay negotiations had 'so far failed to reach a satisfactory outcome'.

An offer of a 6.5 per cent pay increase failed to 'adequately address the narrowing of the gap between the value of the national living wage and the consolidated rates of pay at the site', said Leach, adding: "We regret that the company has flatly refused to increase the offer and we urge them to change their stance."

A spokeswoman for KP Snacks told The Grocer: "We are disappointed that we find ourselves in this position and remain open to further discussions."

"The 6.5 per cent pay rise was very competitive and almost three-times the current rate of inflation, which stands at 2.3 per cent.

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"This offer, combined with last year's, amounts to a 15 per cent increase across the two years.

"We have robust processes in place across our supply chain, and should we end up in the unfortunate position of strike action taking place, we are confident there will be minimal disruption to our customers."