Staff at Menzies Distribution have ended months of uncertainty by voting to accept an improved offer from their employers.

Three hundred employees, who were on the verge of striking for the first time ever earlier this month in a row over pay, made the decision to accept the new terms today.

The company, which has distribution centres in Larkfield and Ashford as well as all over England and Scotland, delivers newspapers to newsagents.

Union Unite announced this afternoon that the dispute had ended with the majority of the 300 packers, pickers and drivers voting to accept the improved offer, which is not being disclosed.

Unite's national officer for the graphical, paper and media sector, Ian Tonks said: “Our members have accepted the improved offer by a significant majority. This victory shows what can be achieved when working people stand together in solidarity.

“The threat of industrial action has now been withdrawn and our members are working normally.”

The three-month dispute had centred on a proposal to increase wages to £7.25 an hour - 5p over the national living wage - as well as scrapping double time pay and time off in lieu for seven of the eight bank holidays, and doing away with overtime.