Strikes threat for new year

Industrial disputes in the construction and road haulage industries are set to flare in the new year, threatening strikes across the country.

Unite is currently balloting 100 oil tanker drivers employed by Wincanton for industrial action in a row over pay, terms and conditions, with the result due on 11 January.

Meanwhile, the union will re-ballot its members at construction giant Balfour Beatty Engineering Services for strikes in a long-running dispute.

The union has accused seven major contractors of “ripping up” long established agreements and has warned that workers at other firms could be balloted.