Strike ballot for ambulance staff

Ambulance workers in the West Midlands are being balloted over strike action in a row over pay and conditions.

Hundreds of paramedics and technicians held a mass meeting at Transport House on Broad Street, Birmingham, to discuss their options on Thursday evening.

Ballot papers are going out on Friday to decide whether industrial action will be taken.

Managers from the ambulance service say they have "limited room for manoeuvre" but want to avoid a dispute.

Joe Clarke, from the Transport and General Workers' Union, said: "Unfortunately we've had no option but to take this course.

"The last major dispute with West Midlands Ambulance Service was 17 years ago, so it's not something we take lightly."

In a statement, West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive Barry Johns said: "The issue of ambulance pay banding is not confined to the West Midlands.

"It is now a national concern. Therefore we have limited room for manoeuvre.

"However, I am prepared to do all I can to resolve the present difficulties and avoid a damaging industrial dispute over the festive period."

The service said it is finalising contingency plans to ensure patients receive prompt and effective treatment, should industrial action become a reality.

A result on the issue is due to be released on 16 December.