More than 1400 workers at brick manufacturer Hanson voted this week on a 4% pay rise, as the firm tried to avert strike action
Building first revealed last month that Hanson employees were unhappy with the first offer of 2.7%. This offer was increased to 4% over 15 months, followed by 3.75% over the next 12 months with an extra day's holiday.

Workers voted to hold one-day strikes on 9 and 16 June after rejecting the original pay offer.

Hanson made a revised offer of a 3.45% pay rise for 2002-3 but this was also rejected.

Bob Blackman, head of construction at the T&G, said the latest offer was the best that could be achieved by negotiations. He said: "I am now recommending that the workers accept the deal but it is up to them to vote to accept it."

The result of the ballot was expected to be announced today.