Tesco averts another strike with Usdaw pay deal

Tesco has averted another potential strike in the middle of the busy pre-Christmas trading period, it was reported on Tuesday, as it reached a new pay agreement with the Usdaw trade union.

According to Reuters, Usdaw suspended its industrial action planned in the week leading up to Christmas Eve, pending a ballot on the “much improved” offer from the grocery giant.

“We're pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Usdaw that it recommends to its members," a Tesco spokesperson told Reuters.

“Colleagues at these centres will no longer be taking industrial action.

“We look forward to delivering a fantastic Christmas for customers.”

The deal with Usdaw came on the back of another pay agreement with members of the Unite union at four of Tesco’s distribution centres last week, which saw Unite suspend its strike plans as well.

At 1527 GMT, shares in Tesco were down 0.1% at 285.07p.