STRUGGLING supermarket business Morrisons is adding a 'big hitter' to its board of directors next year.

Paula Vennells. chief executive of the Post Office since 2012, will become a non-executive director of Bradford's largest private sector company on January 1.

The announcement of her appointment came as Morrisons workers voted overwhelmingly to accept a new pay deal that is set to make them the best paid staff among the 'big four' supermarkets.

Morrisons chairman Andrew Higginson said Ms Vennells would add invaluable experience in restructuring and building a retail operation at the Post Office.

She will replace Johanna Waterous who is standing down after six years as a Morrisons non-executive director.

Andrew Higginson, said: "I am delighted to welcome Paula to the board. Her experience of restructuring and building a retail operation at the Post Office, her background in FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) and her experience as a serving CEO, will all be invaluable to the Board going forward.

"I would like to thank Johanna for her help and support during my first year as chairman and for her work on the Board over the last six years. We wish her well for the future."

Paula Vennells joined the Post Office in 2007 from Whitbread where she was group commercial director She started her career with Unilever and L'Oreal.

Ms Vennells has also held directorships in sales and marketing with a number of major retailers including Dixons Stores Group and Argos.

Paula Vennells said:"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Morrisons and to work with the board to help to contribute to the company's turnaround."

Nearly 75 per cent of shopworkers' union members at Morrisons have voted to accept deal taking their basic hourly rate from £6.83 to £8.20 . The deal will benefit more than 90,000 employees from next March.

Joanne McGuinness, national officer of trade union Usdaw, which has nearly 440,000 members, said: “For some time we have been talking to the company about a significant increase for retail staff to put them at the high end of pay for supermarket workers. The new consolidated rate achieves that and is paid every hour not just when staff work at times that attract premium pay.

"It is a big step forward, shows that the company is prepared to invest in the staff to help grow the business and I am please the deal has been backed by our members in the ballot.”

The deal will cost Morrisons about £40 million The company will also simplify pay supplements, such as a premium for Sunday working.