Somerset council staff balloted over strike action

Unison members at Somerset County Council are being asked whether they want to strike over cuts.

The public sector union is balloting its members after talks on redundancy terms and protecting pay for staff who are downgraded broke down.

The county council said it had made a final offer on redundancy pay.

If workers do not agree with the offer, members are being asked if they would support various levels of action, including a strike.

In November, the council's cabinet voted to recommend £43m of cuts.

The decision sparked protests by union members. The ballot opens on Friday and closes on 14 February.