Eleventh-hour talks at Gunstones bakery have failed to avert secondary strike action, after the union dubbed a proposed pay offer from management “unacceptable”.

This follows a series of discussions between the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) and the 2 Sisters Food Group owned-bakery regarding pay. The talks have not resulted in an agreed offer, and strikes are scheduled to go ahead on 16 and 17 July.

John Higgins, full-time BFAWU officer, told British Baker: “We were trying to avoid it, but we will be striking.

“The offer they have given us is not acceptable.”

The Sheffield bakery has already taken action with another 48-strike last month, which saw around 90 bakery workers on the picket line outside the Gunstones site. According to the union, management enforced a pay-freeze at the site, despite previous talks of pay rises.

A spokesman for Gunstones bakery said: “Unfortunately we have been unable to reach agreement with our union colleagues, but we will continue to work hard to find a fair and equitable agreement for all.

“As we have previously made clear, we are keen to secure a better future for all colleagues at the site, and this will remain our priority.

“We believe any further strike action will not benefit either party and does not resolve any of the outstanding issues we face.”

The bakery manufactures bread rolls, hot cross buns, iced buns and garlic bread.