WORKERS at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) warned of a recruitment crisis today as they launched a 24-hour strike after rejecting a 6 per cent pay offer.

Prospect members mounted picket lines outside the site which supports and maintains Britain’s nuclear deterrent in Aldermaston, Berkshire.

General secretary Mike Clancy said they were forced to act after years of stagnating pay and a “disappointing” lack of engagement from bosses who presented their offer as a “done deal.”