BAE Systems staff to be balloted over strike action

Unite said the ballot will open on 1 October

Thousands of aerospace engineers who are members of the Unite union are to be balloted for strike action in a dispute over pay.

More than 5,000 workers based at BAE Systems in Warton and Samlesbury rejected the latest pay offer from the company.

The union said they were offered a 3.6% increase, which is below the rate of inflation.

BAE Systems said it believed its offer, which included enhancements to pay and pensions, was "not only fair and reasonable but it ensures our colleagues continue to receive market-leading pay and reward, while balancing our need to be competitive and affordable for our customers".

Unite said the ballot would open on 1 October and close on 22 October.

If workers voted for industrial action, the union said strikes could begin "later this autumn".