Strike action has "moved a step closer" for workers on eight of Shell's oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, union Unite has announced.

Several hundred members are set to be balloted over industrial action due to negotiations breaking down over pay, proposed cuts and changes to working conditions.

Aberdeen-based Wood Group is proposing pay cuts of up to 22%, however this is expected to rise to 30% once cuts to other allowances are added.

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The proposed reductions come in addition to cuts to holiday pay and training rates, while recent changes have also seen workers move to a three-week working cycle.

John Boland, Unite regional officer, said: "Our members are simply not being heard by Wood Group. They are deeply worried and frustrated and feel that they have no other option now but to consider strike action.

"Nobody here wants to take industrial action but Wood Group is being unreasonable - pay cuts of up to 30 per cent are totally unjustified and we won't stand for it.

"Our members have already given a lot of ground because we understand that with a low oil price the companies had to make changes to maintain profitability.

"For the benefit of the North Sea as a whole we must not to roll over again. This is our only opportunity to stay strong and say no, not just for us but for the whole of the North Sea."

(LM/MH)