Strike action at Tunnock's Teacake factory avoided as workers accept new pay deal

Strike action has been avoided at Tunnock’s bakery, where Caramel Wafers and Teacakes are made, after workers agreed to a new pay deal.

More than 300 workers at the factory in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, accepted a new deal increasing the hourly wage to £13, amounting to a 4.4% rise.

The one-year pay deal, which includes an expansion of the firm’s sick pay policy, will take effect from July 1.

Tunnock’s workers had previously backed strike action by over 80%.

The factory, founded in 1850, is best known for producing confections such as Teacakes, Caramel Logs, Snowballs and Caramel Wafers.

Tunnock's: Teacakes have been saved after a deal was struck. — Tunnock’s: Teacakes have been saved after a deal was struck. © Google Maps 2025

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members moved the dial in getting an enhanced pay offer from Tunnock’s.

“It demonstrates that by fighting back and standing together workers can win. Hundreds of Tunnock’s workers will now get what they deserve.”

Unite industrial officer Debbie Hutchings said: “Our members at Tunnock’s were not prepared to accept a poor pay offer.

“If necessary, they were prepared to take strike action to win a decent deal, but we are pleased the company made the sensible move to get back round the negotiating table with a better offer to settle the dispute.”