ROADS workers at Scottish Borders Council could go on strike later this year following changes to their contracts.

Workers union Unite is to ballot its members for industrial action next month.

And if they vote in favour, strikes could take place, as well as a possible overtime ban, throughout Autumn.

The ballot comes after the local authority imposed changes to the roads workers' terms and conditions, which came into effect on May 1.

Mark Lyon, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “The imposition of detrimental changes to Unite members’ terms and conditions at Scottish Borders Council will not go unopposed.

"The changes rip up all our long established contractual arrangements.

"If the Council think that our members in the Roads Department are an easy target then they will have to think again because the strength of feeling is resolute.

"The Council have a few weeks to get back round the negotiating table to undo the mess they have created or Unite members will be sending a loud and clear message to them very soon.”

Around 60 Unite members will take part in the ballot.

Mr Lyon added: "In the event that these changes are not reversed then Unite will act to pursue claims for illegal deduction of wages."