Prospect members had already begun balloting on industrial action when the employer, Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) made an improved offer, which Prospect members were consulted on over the last week.

The dispute had started when DSRL wouldn't improve their 1.75% pay offer for 2017, however once balloting started, showing the resolution of Prospect members to obtain a fair pay settlement, DSRL made a much improved offer. The new offer gives 2.3% for 2017, 2.5% for 2018 and a rise for 2019 of between 1.9 and 2.9% depending on inflation, the offer also allows negotiations to be re-opened in 2019 if inflation is above 3% for a period over 2 months in early 2019.

With the acceptance by members of the new offer Prospect has now withdrawn its notice of industrial action

Prospect's National Secretary for Scotland Richard Hardy said "I'd like to thank the Prospect members at Dounreay for the strength and determination they showed in initiating a strike ballot in order to obtain a fair pay settlement from their employer"

"No trades unionists makes a threat of industrial action lightly" Hardy continued "but the improved offer shows what a organised, strong, determined membership can achieve. It's disappointing that we had to threaten strike action to get an improved offer, but members can be rightly proud that they have achieved an outcome which is one of the best in the decommissioning sector."

Hardy concluded "we know that other Unions on site have taken different decisions and we respect and support their right to do so, and we will continue to work together on behalf of all of our members on site"