Members of public service union Unison working in local government are to be balloted on industrial action.

The move follows an overwhelming rejection of the employers' recent three per cent pay offer.

Forum Response: Unison

Malcolm Wing, national local government secretary, at Unison, told ePolitix.com: "The employers' offer of three per cent is the lowest offer in any part of the public sector. Local government already has the largest pocket of low paid women in the public sector. More than a quarter of a million workers earn less than £5 an hour.

"The situation is critical. If the employers are not interested in coming back to the negotiating table, then industrial action is certain."