Land Rover workers have accepted a pay offer, ending the threat of further strike action and dealers' fears of stock shortages.

In October, workers at the Solihull plant rejected a 6.5% pay increase offered over two years and staged two 24-hour strikes.

Unions argued Land Rover workers should earn the same as those at Jaguar, which is also owned by Ford. But in a fresh ballot, 65% of voters accepted the two-year offer.

Duncan Simpson, national officer for the Amicus union, is pleased staff and workers have reached an agreement. He adds: “We can concentrate on securing a future for our members at Solihull and Gaydon.” But further trouble is brewing over Ford's plans to close its Aveley plant. Amicus says this breaches a sourcing and investment agreement signed in 2001 guaranteeing no further closures – Ford subsequently shut its Croydon and Boreham plants.