The GMB union is claiming victory in the bitter wrangle between Sellafield contractor Mitie and its workers.

Mitie announced at the end of last week that they were committed to paying all staff at least £9 an hour from August 1 – an offer that the GMB has been accepted by its members.

GMB says it is the only recognised trade union for employees in Mitie Soft Services division, which provides security guards, cleaners, laundry and environmental operatives under contract to the Sellafield site.

The company and its staff have been at loggerheads for months over pay. Workers have repeatedly rejected the offer of 8.45 an hour.

Mitie's Unite workers have been on strike on-and-off for over two months over the issue.

But GMB is claiming victory after a series of constructive meetings resulted in the pledge by Mitie to pay its workers – of which there are around 500 at the West Cumbria nuclear site – the extra 55p an hour, taking it to the Real Living Wage level.

GMB regional organiser, Oli Slack said: “GMB is fully committed to ensuring Sellafield workers are paid at least the Real Living Wage.

“We are pleased Mitie has committed to paying the real living wage. This is a real step forward for our members”

“GMB also agreed to engage with employee initiatives Mitie is putting in place to address concerns of the workforce.

“We appreciate the efforts of Mitie to commit to the Real Living Wage and we also want to pay tribute to the loyalty and forbearance GMB members working in Mitie Soft Services have shown.

“GMB looks forward to working with Mitie going forward.”

The Unite union suspended its planned strike from Monday to July 8 over the pay issue as it weighs up whether to follow suit and accept the offer from Mitie.

Its members have also been unhappy at working conditions and treatment by Mitie.

Ryan Armstrong, Unite's regional organiser, said: "This is a step in the right direction.

“The company came up with an offer and we suspended the action for the upcoming strikes to see if members want to accept it.”