NUCLEAR scientists at Harwell staged a walk-out today over a pay dispute.

The decommissioning experts at Magnox Limited are striking because they claim they could be paid differently to employees at the firm's other sites.

Union bosses claimed senior managers had offered staff at Harwell and Winfrith at 1.2 per cent pay increase, while those at the other Magnox sites were offered 1.6 per cent.

The walk-out was staged by members of unions Prospect and Unite and a similar one will be held in Dorset tomorrow. 

It came despite a last minute deal reached with management, with unions saying members voted to proceed to "show their anger at how the pay talks have been handled". 

It is to be followed by more action, including working to terms and conditions of employment and to contractual hours of attendance, they added.

Prospect negotiator Richard Tabbner said: "The new deal contains no new money. 

"Members are furious and want a credible explanation why they cannot have parity with their wider Magnox colleagues."

A spokesman for Magnox said: "We can confirm that Prospect and Unite have notified us of their intention to undertake industrial action at Harwell and Winfrith as a result of ongoing negotiations on pay.

"We cannot comment on the negotiations in detail but we are obviously disappointed at this outcome.
 
"We feel that we have made a fair and appropriate offer that provides an above inflation increase to everybody. We remain open to working with the Trades Unions and staff to identify a way forward.
 
"Both Magnox and the unions will continue working together to maintain safety and security at the affected sites ensuring that appropriate levels of safety and security cover remain in place."