On November 8, workers at the Tangerine Confectionery factory in York took strike action after union members clashed with their employer over wages.

The factory makes products such as Sherbet Lemons, Butter Mintoes, caramels, chews and fudge, and GMB – Britain’s General Union – announced that strike action would last for four days.

A Tangerine spokesman comments: “We are disappointed by this decision because we feel our enhanced pay and break time offer is a positive step forward for the long-term future of this historic factory.

“It’s surprising that some York employees have taken this step, particularly when we have invested more than £8m at the site during a period of intense competition within the UK confectionery market.

“Our door remains open to the GMB to resolve this amicably but, in the meantime, the factory remains operational and we’d like to thank the many staff who turned up to work, ensuring we continue to supply our customers and the public with their favourite sweets as normal.”

GMB told Kennedy’s that further industrial action is planned until (at least) the end of November.