A WINTER strike by British Gas workers is “unavoidable,” the GMB union warned today, after bosses failed to resolve a dispute over pay and conditions.

The union said the company was “ploughing on” with plans that would lead to pay cuts, and said it would now enter discussions over what emergency cover could be provided during the industrial action.

British Gas parent firm Centrica issued a new deadline of December 23 for workers to accept an offer that has already been overwhelmingly rejected in a ballot, the union said.