GMB paramedics and other ambulance staff look set to strike in a dispute over cover and allowances.

An independent postal ballot of GMB members within the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) showed 94 per cent in favour of industrial action, on an almost 42 per cent turnout.

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Discussion on the start date for the first wave of action is now under consideration by the Branch Executive and notification will be sent shortly to NWAS management, says GMB.

The ballot result affects GMB paramedics and ambulance staff across all parts of the North West including Cumbria, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Manchester.

Ray Carrick, GMB Regional Officer, said "The ballot was undertaken after management refused the offer of talks on a number of issues including cuts in ambulance cover, mileage allowances, subsistence allowances and staffing of vehicles by agreed clinicians.”