Firefighters at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria have started the first of two strikes in a dispute over pay.

The 12.5-hour walkout by more than 60 members of the GMB union started at 6am this morning, with another strike planned for Thursday.

The union has accused the management at Sellafield of failing to keep promises made to the firefighters over pay and conditions.

Chris Jukes, GMB Senior Organiser said: “Management have broken their promises to the firefighters – and have failed to make a fair offer that would put an end to this dispute.

“Sellafield Limited has spun a message of greed with 2,500 senior personnel earning eye-watering bonuses which are in every sense of the word an obscenity compared to what firefighters were promised.”

Sellafield said it was “unprecedented” the GMB union “has decided not to provide safety cover during this strike”.

A spokesperson added: “As a result, we’ve made arrangements for a private sector provider to supply this. The company’s firefighters have extensive experience and have undergone specific training ahead of working at Sellafield.”