Around 300 Warwickshire Stagecoach drivers are being balloted for industrial action over pay, Union Unite announced on Friday (July 28).

Drivers have rejected a 6.4 per cent pay rise. which the union described as a "real terms pay cut" as inflation sites at 10.7 per cent currently.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Stagecoach is a hugely profitable company.

"The money is there for the company to provide its Warwickshire drivers a pay increase that reflects increasing living costs and the demands of what is a difficult and stressful role. Improving jobs, pay and conditions is Unite's absolute priority and our Warwickshire Stagecoach members will receive the union's complete support."

The ballot for strike action opened on Friday and closes on 10 August.

Strike action would severely impact bus services across the whole of Warwickshire. 

Unite regional officer Sulinder Singh added: "Stagecoach can prevent this dispute from escalating by putting forward an offer that our hardworking members can accept.

"Unite urges Stagecoach to return to negotiations and table a deal that improves on the inadequate one currently on offer."