Workers at a Norwich soft drinks factory who are set to lose their jobs next year have ramped up strike action in an effort to elicit concessions from their employer.

The GMB union said the six weeks of industrial action by Britvic staff was in an attempt to improve the redundancy package the company is offering them.

Union members at the factory in Bracondale, Norwich have undertaken numerous strikes since Britvic announced last December that it was resolved to close the facility, resulting in the loss of 242 jobs.

The most recent strike action was a one-day protest at Wimbledon, during which workers asked spectators at the tennis tournament to boycott sponsors including Britvic brand Robinsons.

GMB said that as a result of Britvic's 'refusal' to meet with the union, it will be holding 18 days of 24-hour strike action through August and September.

Technical operators will strike on August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and September 5; operators will strike on August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and September 6; and drive site staff will strike on August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and September 7.

Ivan Mercer, GMB regional organiser, said: 'Members are being forced into this action by Britvic's continuing refusal to meet with GMB to discuss resolving this dispute.

'It is clear that Britvic have no concern for the well-being of their employees and the significant stress and anxiety our members are suffering due to the company's refusal to meet with GMB.

'We are hoping that the announcement of carrying out 24-hour strikes for three days per week for a six-week period will encourage Britvic to meet with us to agree a way out of this dispute.'