Power workers begin overtime ban

The industrial action is over pay

Millions of electricity consumers have been assured the lights will stay on as staff in the north of England begin an indefinite spell of industrial action.

More than 1,000 workers with distribution firms NEDL and YEDL have begun an overtime ban over pay.

The companies are responsible for distributing electricity to more than 3.7 million homes across the North East, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

Parent firm CE Electric said measures were in place to keep supplies going.

The action will affect weekend working and stand-by cover.

'No choice'

The workers rejected a pay offer of 3.8%, arguing the industry average this year is worth 5.1%.

A spokesman for the union Unite, said: "Our members turn out in rain, sleet and snow at any time of the day or night to make sure the lights stay on.

"CE Electric's pay offer is way below the industry average. The workers are already one of the lowest paid group of workers in the electricity distribution industry.

"Our members feel they have no choice other than to take industrial action in order to seek a decent pay increase."

The company said it was "disappointed" at the action.

A spokesman said the company's pay was comparable or better than others in the industry.

He added that measures were in place to ensure customers continued to receive a "safe and reliable" electricity supply despite the industrial action.