SUPERMARKET shelves may be left bare this Christmas after workers at a food-preparation factory voted to strike over their pay rise being “suppressed” by management.

More than 1,000 employees at Bakkavor Foods in Spalding, Lincolnshire, have voted by 83 per cent in favour of strike action over a 1.5 per cent pay offer, which represents a cut in real terms.

The workers, who make salads, meals and dips for the Co-Op, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, are furious at Bakkavor’s paltry proposal, given that the company recorded a £106 million pre-tax profit and a £1.6 billion turnaround in the past financial year.

Their union, Unite, is calling for a wage increase that would properly recognise the workers’ contribution to the success of the company.

The union warns that if management fails not restart pay negotiations, many well-loved food items may be absent from the shelves during the festive season.

Unite regional officer Mick Orpin said: “Bosses at Bakkavor have absolutely no justification for suppressing workers’ pay year on year when the company has increased its profits year on year.

“Between 2014 and 2018, Bakkavor’s profits have increased by a massive £40 million, but management have left hard-up workers with no choice except to take strike action to fight for their fair share.

“There is still time left to resolve this dispute and we hope management will get around the negotiating table with a view to reaching an agreement which recognises the workers’ contribution to the success of the business.”

Bakkavor has been contacted for comment.