Workers are set to strike at a Teesside fertiliser plant which could leave farmers short and, in turn, hit food bills.

“Low paid” staff at CF Fertilisers' factory in Billingham will walk out over pay later this month, the Unite union said.

Workers, who are employed by Hargreaves Industrial Services at the factory, pack and load ammonium nitrate fertiliser which supplies farms nationwide.

But they will strike between September 12 and 20, and again from September 28 to October 6 if a pay deal is not reached.

It could leave farmers short of fertiliser, and potentially have a knock-on effect on the costs of some food items at the supermarkets.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Both Hargreaves and CF Fertiliser can fully afford to ensure these workers receive a fair pay offer. Our members at Billingham will receive Unite’s total backing during these strikes.”

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The union warned that industrial action will escalate if the dispute is not resolved, and say Hargreaves and CF Fertilisers' pre-tax and operating profits of £2.9m and £30m in the years ending May and December 2023 respectively mean they can afford an improved a pay offer.

Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “There is still time for industrial action to be avoided but that will require a pay offer being put forward that our members can accept.”