TELECOMS giant BT is facing the prospect of its first national strike in more than 20 years in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) announced today that it is holding a consultative ballot among its members, which could lead to a further vote on industrial action.

The move follows what the union describes as an “increasingly aggressive“ approach from management, and raises the “very real prospect” of the first national strike in BT since 1994.

The consultative vote will open later this month and close on December 10.

“This is the most important vote our members have ever been asked to cast since joining the company,” said CWU general secretary Dave Ward.

“This is about job security, pay and grading, rights at work and the future direction of the company.

“After decades of industrial stability, we are now seeing BT Group embark on a vicious programme of compulsory redundancies, site closures and attacks on pay, terms and conditions.

“It is putting profit before people.

“We know many senior managers are saying some members will not be impacted by their plans — nothing could be further from the truth.

“If we stand by and let the company implement these changes without serious opposition, then the floodgates will open,” Mr Ward added.

Deputy general secretary Andy Kerr said: “We are asking members to support the union in the ballot and reject compulsory redundancies, uncertain job security, the driving down of pay, grading and protections, attacks on key workers, and a negative change in management style.”

A BT spokesman said: “BT is going through a period of immense change and investment for the future. As the market continues to evolve and the needs of our customers change, we’ll need the right skills and capabilities in the business to adapt and respond.

“If we don’t improve our productivity and efficiency, BT Group will fall behind in the highly competitive, highly regulated markets in which we operate.”