Sellafield firefighters will strike over a row about pay and grading.

The GMB union has announced that its members will take industrial action, with dates to be announced in due course.

It follows a long-running row between the union and Sellafield Ltd, the company responsible for the West Cumbrian site.

Talks were held this afternoon, following discussions last week.

Chris Jukes, GMB senior organiser, said: "The same offer was put on the table as last week.

"It's clear that their approach is 'you are not getting any more. Do your worst'. They appear to be taking a hard line approach. We are concerned how this is playing out."

He said the offer was equivalent to a five per pay rise but he added: "the devil is in the detail", saying that there is a "historic grade and pay issue".

He said members were "angry and disappointed" following the talks.

It is understood there is about 70 firefighters in the working group, 63 of which have been balloted by the GMB.

Mr Jukes said when Sellafield's firefighters go on strike, there would be an option of firefighters being brought onto the site from other bodies.

A Sellafield spokesman said: "We have already entered into commercial arrangements with a third party to ensure that safety is maintained and that the public, workforce and environment are protected at all times.

"Regrettably the GMB has rejected our offer of an additional task based payment equivalent to a five per cent increase in basic pay for our firefighters, which is contingent on undertaking extra training and skills. They have made a formal claim for an increase of around 12 per cent.

"Our firefighters are currently paid £43,007, inclusive of shift allowance, for working the equivalent of 37 hours a week. Civil firefighters around the UK, are paid £29,638, for a 42 hour week, with no extra pay for shifts."

Sellafield say safety and security of the site is and will always remain its overriding priority.