Construction union Ucatt will start the ballot of its members this Friday.

Kier Services staff are upset over its decision to change the pay date from the 15th to the 28th of each month.

Workers fear that the move could lead to further changes to their pay and conditions.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of Ucatt, said: “Kier has failed to enter into meaningful negotiation with Ucatt.

“The company’s decision to impose this change without agreement means that members now believe that undertaking industrial action is unfortunately their only option.”

Ucatt will be balloting their members at: Gosport, Harlow, Islington, North Tyneside, Stoke and Southend.

The workers involved undertake maintenance work on local authority housing as well as other maintenance work across the local government sector.

A Kier spokesman said: “Kier has consulted with the unions on proposals to change the pay date to the 28th of each month.

“The change is being made to align the monthly payroll process across the entire enlarged group and mirrors the procedure adopted by most comparable employers.

“We are committed to continuing to work with and consult the unions.”