More than 1,500 construction workers at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria are taking further strike following a lung-running row over site-specific payments.

Union Unite said the latest round of industrial action will begin on 4 October and continue until 13 October.

It added: “Previous action this autumn has resulted in severe disruption at the site across disciplines including electricians, joiners, pipe-fitters, riggers, welders and groundworkers.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are highly skilled workers operating in an extremely challenging environment. That this is the most significant industrial action at Sellafield in recent history speaks volumes about the levels of feeling among the workforce.”

In addition to the strike action, a continuous overtime ban comes into place on 14 October that will see workers refuse to conduct additional work outside their recognised hours.

Unite is calling on employers to return to the negotiating table to discuss the site specific proposals and would “welcome the introduction of the conciliation service Acas.”