Undertakers' strike threatens funerals

A strike could take place within four weeks

Undertakers have warned that funerals in East Essex and Colchester could be disrupted if they go on strike.

Workers with the regional Co-op said they were unhappy with a 3% pay rise offer from employers.

Glenn Holdom of the general union GMB said members in the region have not ruled out a "complete withdrawal".

He said a walkout "would affect office staff, people preparing the bodies of loved ones, and the actual funeral arrangements for the day of the funeral".

Further talks

Lorraine Collins, a public relations officer for the Colchester and East Essex Co-operative Society, said the Co-op had no comment on the possible strike action.

Mr Holdom told BBC Essex the union members would rather not strike.

"We hope to avoid the industrial action with further talks with the employers, and that is our objective."

A recent ballot of GMB union members rejected the pay rise offer; Mr Holdom said funeral workers wanted at least 5% more.

He said the Co-op had posted a £3m profit.