Workers at a manufacturing firm in Hitchin have secured a pay deal after going on a five-day strike.

Members of GMB at Crane Building Services and Utilities have accepted a seven per cent pay increase following the walkout which started last month.

During extensive pay negotiations on Monday (June 3), Crane put forward an improved pay offer. In a pay ballot conducted on Tuesday, 90 per cent GMB members voted, with 60 per cent accepting the deal.

The strike was set to last for nine days, but has now been called off after the deal was reached.

"This is a good win for our members who stood strong and made their voices heard and in doing so demonstrated how determined they were to achieve a better pay deal from their employer," said Andre Marques, GMB's London region organiser.

"Together, we have shown that unity and collective action can bring about meaningful change.

"The new pay deal of seven per cent, will be backdated to January 2024 and workers can expect an agreed bonus if 2024 performance targets are met."