Argos distribution workers set strike dates

LONDON (Reuters) - Distribution workers at Home Retail's Argos stores will hold two 24-hour strikes on July 17 and July 24, followed by a four-day stoppage starting on July 30, the Unite trade union said on Wednesday.

Last week the workers voted for strike action in a dispute over pay, after rejecting Argos's offer of 4 percent.

"From next week Argos faces severe disruption to their customer distribution service," Unite national secretary Jennie Formby said in a statement.

At 10:50 a.m., Home Retail shares were down 1.2 percent at 201.25 pence, valuing the firm at about 1.7 billion pounds.

(Reporting by Mark Potter; editing by Sue Thomas)