STAFF at Northwich's Inland Revenue office have been asked to vote for strike action after plans to move their jobs to Liverpool were announced.

Civil servants at the Dane House office, in Chesterway, have been balloted by the Public Commercial Services Union (PCSU) to take part in a one-day strike after it was announced that 23 staff members are to be moved to a city call centre.

The proposals mean that from July 3 the Northwich employees face a two-hour daily commute to Queen's Dock, with no alternative suggestions put forward.

Branch secretary John Ellis confirmed that members affected by the plans, which totals 250 employees across Cheshire and Warrington, have been balloted and fully expect a positive vote for strike action.

He said: "We have agreed to ballot for industrial action. It has been approved by the national union and we have begun to ballot all members affected.

"I think we'll get a positive response because people recognise that they have got no option other than to make a stand."

If employees ballot for industrial action a one-day strike will take place on July 3 and Mr Ellis said the union will be asking civil servants to refuse to go to Queen's Dock by way of non-cooperation.

A spokeswoman for Her Majesties Revenue and Customs (HRMC) said staff may transfer to contact centres, apply for other work within HMRC or look for alternative employment.

She said: "We will do everything we can to accommodate individual needs, however they have a responsibility to attend work at agreed times, those who are unable to do this will be given the opportunity to discuss any problems with local management.

"Where appropriate, travel allowances and financial assistance may apply under the existing civil service criteria, obviously based on individual circumstances."