WIRRAL Paramedics have joined colleagues across the Northwest in voting for industrial action as part of an ongoing dispute over cover and allowances.

It follows a ballot by the GMB union in which 94% of members voted in favour.

Discussions on what form the action will take are due to be held later this week.

A start date for the first wave of action is also being considered. 

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust has been notified of this outcome.

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

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."

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) NHS Trust said: "The Trust has received notice of the ballot outcome, but has not yet received information as to what form any action will take or when.

“Once this information is known, the Trust will consider what action to take. As always, the Trust’s main consideration will be ensuring that care of patients will not be affected."