Workers at UK Power Networks (UKPN), the company that ensures the lights stay on in Hertfordshire and nearby, will go on strike in March and April after rejecting a pay deal from their employer.

A ballot of 1,300 members of the Unite trade union had come out against the offer, which the company said would increase their pay by 18% over two years.

Unite disputed this figure, saying that workers have in the past been offered a Retail Price Index inflation-busting pay rise, and that this deal would see their real-term pay cut substantially.

Watford Observer: Watford from above at sunset. Disruption to customers is low, according the UKPNWatford from above at sunset. Disruption to customers is low, according the UKPN (Image: Jason Ford)

Unite regional officer Jane Jeffery said: “Any disruption caused by these strikes is entirely the fault of UKPN’s avarice.

“The company needs to return to the negotiating table and put forward an offer our members can accept. It can clearly afford to but is refusing to do so out of greed.”

However, UKPN said it believes the offer is fair, adding: “The offer remains on the table, and we hope Unite will follow Prospect and Unison in accepting it, which we believe is in the best interests of our employees.”

UKPN said the risk that customers’ electricity supply would be disrupted was still low.