TALKS aimed at averting the threat of disruption to deliveries of beers, lagers and soft drinks to pubs, clubs and other sites have ended without agreement. 

Staff at KNDL (Kuehne and Nagel Drinks Logistics) depots in Stockton and Washington, as well as 25 other locations around the country, could walk out if a dispute over working conditions is not resolved.

The Unite union warned of disruption to supplies to pubs and premises run by Enterprise Inns, Trust Inns and Wetherspoons, as well as airports, courts, sports clubs - including football clubs, leisure centres, theatres and cinemas, health clubs, military camps, working mens' clubs and the hospitality industry.

The union claimed a national agreement on terms and conditions was being changed, threatening job losses.

Union members voted by 85 per cent in favour of strike action on a turnout of 64 per cent.

The union balloted 970 drivers, drayman and warehouse workers.