The planned strike by Beefeaters will go ahead tomorrow (22 January), after pension discussions with the Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) left members in “fury” and without an agreement.

A revised offer from HRP was described as “simply not good enough” by GMB Union, as member disappointment “turned to fury” after they discovered HRP had commissioned “very expensive cakes” from Choccywoccydodah as part of a new campaign.

Last month HRP staff, including Beefeaters and Jewel House Wardens, voted overwhelming in favour to support strike action, with a result of 91 per cent after a turnout of 88 per cent.

However, strikes were suspended on the 8 and 15 January following a the potential for a revised offer from HRP.

GMB regional organiser, Michael Ainsley, said: "Our members are disappointed to have not reached any agreement with HRP, but their offer was simply not good enough.

"Our members’ disappointment turned to fury however when they were made aware that HRP had commissioned several elaborate and very expensive cakes from Choccywoccydoodah, to launch a new campaign.

"The crass insensitivity shown by HRP in squandering money in this way while telling employees that their pensions are un-sustainable is incredible. Perhaps HRP consider it better to ‘let them eat cake’ in their retirement instead of them being able to buy groceries or pay rent and utilities bills."

Picketing will take place at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palaces between 9am-4pm.

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