Staff at Warburtons are to be reballoted on plans for strike action after their union feared that an initial vote earlier this month had been affected by the postal dispute.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) will launch a second two-week ballot of its 1,000-plus members at the company’s 24 UK bakeries and depots on November 5. Roy Streeter, BFAWU north west regional officer said: "We had a few issues with the postal dispute and wanted to ensure that our members had the best opportunities to take part in the ballot. We have given the firm seven days’ notice of the ballot, which will be completed on 19 November."

Warburtons has offered its staff a 3.7% annual pay increase, with team leaders considered separately, and the possibility of an attendance bonus based on the collective performance of the workforce. But the union has rejected the offer, arguing its members should get a 4.3% increase to keep pace with inflation.