The union that represent Lloyds Pharmacy workers says strikes planned for tomorrow at 40 stores are going ahead.

Mandate - which represents around 270 workers at the chain - has accused management at the company of 'spinning' instead of trying to resolve the dispute.

Earlier, Lloyds Pharmacy said it had agreed to wage increases for all of its 960 staff, as well as a number of other conditions such as improved sick leave and greater certainty of hours.

The company described the deal as "very fair and generous" and suggested it had been endorsed by a majority of staff.

Lloyds Pharmacy Director of Sales and Marketing Pat Watt observed: "Our staff are pleased to have agreed the improved pay, conditions and support measures through successive company-wide ballots. It provides a positive roadmap for all staff to enjoy improved remuneration and security of benefits in a viable framework. 

“Further strike action is reckless and threatens the secure platforms we have established for the business." 

However, Mandate insisted management can stop the strikes if they 'show respect' for workers and engage in meaningful negotiations.

It says the ballots on the proposals were only narrowly passed, accusing the company of 'tainting' the votes.

In a statement, General Secretary John Douglas argued: "[The company has] called on Mandate members in Lloyds to withdraw their strike action tomorrow, but didn’t have the courtesy of writing to their workers’ union directly.

"They want to run a campaign through the media, rather than afford their workers their rights.”

He added that workers don't want to be strike, and that Lloyds management is the only organisation that can stop the planned strike.

Lloyds earlier said around 12 of its stores will close tomorrow if the action goes ahead.

Nine further strike days are planned for September, October and November.