A strike threat at the Allied Bakeries plant at Milton, north of Glasgow, has been averted.

Union members of USDAW had balloted for a 24-hour strike on Monday 19 December and Thursday 22 December. Two more strikes were planned for 26 December and 28 December.

Lawrence Wason, USDAW Scottish officer, said: "The strike has been called off because a new ballot is being held between 14 December and 23 December. We are hopeful of a settlement."

The plant produces Kingsmill, Burgen, and own-brand loaves for Asda and Tesco.

An Allied Bakeries spokesman said: “We remain committed to delivering a realistic and competitive pay increase. It’s rare for our people to leave us for a higher salary and, when we do advertise, we are inundated with good-quality applicants. The increases we have offered are in line with the deals agreed by other employees across our bakery in Glasgow.”

Staff had been offered a 2% rise, after recent negotiations, but had said they wanted more.

Associated British Foods, which owns Primark, Twinings, and several other major brands, saw a 9% rise in profits in November to £249m.