Council workers vote on strike action

The strike vote will be held in the city's Civic Centre

Council workers are meeting to vote on strike action which could cripple key services in Southampton.

Around 500 Unison members are expected to gather on Thursday afternoon in the Civic Centre to vote on whether to accept new council proposals.

The dispute erupted when Southampton City Council announced plans to cut jobs and staff allowances as part of its budget proposals.

The council revised these plans following negotiations with Unison and staff will now vote on whether to accept these new terms.

'Jobs at risk'

Branch Secretary Mike Tucker said: "Unison members will seriously consider the Council's proposals.

"Our members want to avoid taking industrial action if they can.

"However, over 50 staff are still at risk and £400,000 is still to be taken from existing wages."

If union members reject the proposals, industrial action will start on 17 February with a one day stoppage taking place on 19 February.

The 2,200 staff involved in the dispute are from all areas of the council and include inspectors, social workers and benefits staff.