DRIVERS who deliver goods for retail giant Argos are to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of Unite employed by Wincanton at a distribution centre in Staffordshire will walk out for three days from next Tuesday, December 20, which the union warned threatened the delivery of goods in the run-up to Christmas.

The union is embroiled in a row over holiday back pay.

Unite regional officer Rick Coyle said: "The drivers have patiently tried to resolve this matter for over two years. Now they would like the money they are owed in time for Christmas, which is not unreasonable.

"It is very difficult to understand why Wincanton has allowed this saga to get out of hand because this strike by our members will cause havoc and mayhem to deliveries to Argos shops in the run-up to Christmas.

"We can assure Argos customers that strike dates are only being announced as a last resort and that Unite's door is open 24/7 to try and settle this long-standing dispute."

Unite say the action will have an impact on Argos' Faverdale distribution centre in Darlington as it will receive fewer deliveries from the Staffordshire site.

An Argos spokesman said: "We would encourage both sides to keep talking with the aim of coming to a swift resolution.

"We also have contingency plans in place and can reassure customers we're working hard to ensure this will not impact our deliveries this Christmas."