Talks to avoid firefighter strikes at Sellafield this summer have been adjourned until next week, with union leader saying an improved offer needs to be on the table.

GMB officials met managers at the site today and will meet again on Thursday for talks it has described as "the last opportunity" to avert industrial action.

The union's firefighter members voted two to one to take action last week in an ongoing dispute over pay and the grading of the role.

Sellafield Ltd - the company responsible for the west Cumbrian site - has put forward an offer which the union has said its members have already rejected. The union then agreed to a management request for time to reflect on their position before further talks.

The dispute over pay grading has been going on for several years and resolves around staff carrying out extra duties, such as paramedic work.

Chris Jukes, GMB senior organiser, said: “Discussions between GMB and Sellafield management took place in a professional and reasonable manner and there were wide ranging discussions about pay.

“However the bottom line is, management made an offer which has already been rejected by our members and it will take an improved offer to settle this matter which has been unresolved for several years.

“GMB agreed to Sellafield’s request for more time and we have adjourned the talks until the end of next week so management can reflect on their offer.”

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said: "We met today (Friday) with the representatives from the GMB to discuss the ballot for strike action by Sellafield Ltd firefighters.

"At the meeting there was a positive dialogue and an honest exchange of views. We tabled a proposal and received a counter-proposal.

"Both parties agreed to take these away for careful consideration, with a meeting scheduled for next Thursday (July 6)."

"In the meantime the Sellafield site continues to operate safely and securely, as normal," he added.