More than 105 members of Unite working for South West Water will be starting an overtime ban on Saturday (July 16) in a dispute over pay. 

The workers, located at water treatment works across the south west are taking industrial action short of a strike after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer of 1.8 per cent plus £120 unconsolidated lump sum. 

The action follows prolonged pay negotiations which included the involvement of the conciliation service Acas. 

Unite regional officer Matt Tipper said: ’After years of receiving below inflation pay rises coupled with attacks to their terms and conditions our members have decided enough is enough. 

’They have seen their terms and conditions stagnate while South West Water’s profits have soared and directors’ pay continue to balloon above the rate of inflation. The South West Water workforce feels completely devalued and demeaned. 

’South West Water needs to get back around the table and negotiate a pay settlement that recognises the vital contribution of our members to the company’s success.’