THE threat of a strike at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station has been averted by an interim bonus pay-out for construction workers, it was confirmed this week.

The union Unite, which had threatened industrial action, said that “constructive discussions” with EDF Energy had resulted in an agreement to pay interim bonuses until the end of August.

Both sides agreed to join a panel which will discuss a long-term settlement of the bonus issue.

As part of the agreement, no industrial action will be considered while the interim arrangements are in place.

Unite national construction officer Jerry Swain said the interim agreement was “crucial” in providing “breathing space and creating the opportunity for a long-term solution to finally resolve this matter”.

The dispute arose when unions claimed that contractors had failed to pay a predicted bonus and warned that industrial action could lead to expensive delays at the site.