WORKERS at the BCM Fareva pharmaceuticals plant in Nottingham hit the picket lines today for the second time in their dispute over bosses’ fire-and-rehire tactics.

The firm, which supplies high street names including Boots and The Body Shop, is threatening to impose new contracts with inferior sick pay, pensions, severance terms and other conditions.

The action, backed by members of the Usdaw union by a margin of nine to one, has won the vocal support of local Labour MPs Lilian Greenwood and Alex Norris, who slammed the use of fire-and-rehire tactics.

A further 24-hour stoppage is scheduled over August 1 and 2.

Usdaw national officer Daniel Adams said: “Following the overwhelming support for the 24-hour strike last week, it is deeply disappointing that the company has not agreed to pause its plans to allow for dialogue with the trade union.

“Management’s actions have left our members with little option other than to continue with industrial action until the company reverses its confrontational approach.

“We cannot negotiate with a gun to our heads.”

Mr Adams added that the union was ready to talk as soon as the company withdrew its fire-and-rehire threat.