Hundreds of North Sea oil and gas workers are taking part in industrial action against proposed cuts to their pay and allowances.

Around 400 workers employed by Wood Group are striking today, 26 July over plans to reduce their wages by up to 30%.

Unions Unite and RMT said their members voted overwhelmingly in support of industrial action after talks with the energy services firm failed to resolve the situation.

With workers taking part in strike action for the first time in 28 years, Unite said further stoppages will be scheduled over the coming weeks.

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Regional Officer, John Boland, said: "To say we are disappointed it has had to come to this is an understatement, but bosses at Wood Group are simply not listening. This dispute is the first in the North Sea in three decades and shows the strength of feeling of our members who feel backed into a corner and left with no other option but to use their industrial strength to make Wood Group listen.

"Our members have been faced with changes to shift patterns which have seen them working longer offshore for the same pay and as well as having three rounds of redundancies imposed on them. This attack on their pay and allowances has pushed our members too far this time.

Mr Boland added while the union "stands committed" to further talks with Wood Group, bosses "must significantly improve their position" by withdrawing threats to cut pay and allowances.

"No request for an eleventh-hour meeting has been made by Wood Group bosses," he said.

(LM/MH)