Nuclear power workers agree pay deal

The threat of industrial action by thousands of nuclear power workers was averted today after union leaders agreed a new pay deal.

Officials from five unions reached agreement with British Energy during talks at the conciliation service, Acas.

The Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, the biggest at British Energy, said the company had improved its pay offer from 1.9% to 3%.

‘‘We are very pleased that the company has seen sense and helped to avert a strike.

‘‘But there was no need for the unnecessary lengthy procedures in these negotiations and we hope that things can be improved in the future,’’ said a union official.