A generous pay and benefits package has helped see off the unionisation at premium crisp manufacturer Kettle Foods.

Workers at the Norwich based firm took part in a ballot on whether Unite should represent them for collective pay bargaining, with 206 voting against the measure and 93 voting for it.

The firm cited pay that was 25pc above the minimum wage for its lowest paid employees and a 'blue-chip benefits package' as a key reason for the vote against union representation. Its offer includes 25 days holiday (increasing with service), 100pc sick pay, a non-contributory pension scheme and a profit sharing bonus.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "We are absolutely committed to the wellbeing of our employees and protecting their freedom as individuals. Equally important, we have always maintained a strong relationship with our workforce, underpinned by open and honest communication.

"As the vast majority of our employees are not union members, a ballot was held to give the workforce the opportunity to make their own decision whether they want Unite to represent their interests in future collective bargaining. The result indicates that the majority of our employees do not wish to be represented by a union for collective bargaining."

Kettle Foods took advice from the law firm Eversheds and from Omega Services UK to ensure its ballot met guidelines.