FURIOUS school meals staff in East Yorkshire have been told their employers cannot pay their wages on time.

Martins Food Services staff have told staff at schools across the East Riding that their wages cannot be paid directly into their bank accounts. Instead they will have to wait a further seven days to be paid by cheque.

But Martins Food Services managing director Peter Martin denied that the company was in financial difficulties. He said changes in banking arrangements meant the workers would be paid by cheque on this occasion.

Members of the union Unison at 160 East Yorkshire schools have already voted to strike on Thursday and Friday next week.

Workers are in dispute with the private company over proposed changes in pay and conditions.

Unison regional officer Chris Jenkinson said staff were shocked and angry about the delayed payment.

He said: "It is outrageous that these members will have to go without the wages they have earned.

"Many simply cannot go for that length of time without their pay."

Unison claims Martins plans to re-employ school meals staff on contracts which could cost individual workers up to £1,000 a year and cut holiday entitlement.

Ninety per cent of employees voted to take strike action in protest at the company's plans.

Mr Jenkinson said he was waiting for final legal advice before considering what action Unison can take on behalf of the staff.

Council chiefs have moved to reassure parents that children entitled to free school meals would get their dinners as usual.

A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said contingency plans were in place.

Martins Foods Services is based in Oswestry, Shropshire, and has a distribution base in Goole.

Updated: 11:20 Friday, May 24, 2002