Offshore workers at Wood Group are considering going on strike after rejecting proposals put to them on Friday.

The oil and gas firm has proposed pay cuts of up to 22% and changes to holiday pay and training rates.

The union is now preparing to ballot several hundred members working for Wood Group on eight Shell oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.

Unite regional officer John Boland said the Aberdeen firm was not listening to the concerns of its workforce after a meeting Wood Group management.

He said: "Our members are simply not being heard by Wood Group. They are deeply worried and frustrated and feel that they have no other option now but to consider strike action.

"Nobody here wants to take industrial action but Wood Group is being unreasonable - pay cuts of up to 30% are totally unjustified and we won't stand for it.

"Our members have already given a lot of ground because we understand that with a low oil price the companies had to make changes to maintain profitability.

"For the benefit of the North Sea as a whole we must not to roll over again. This is our only opportunity to stay strong and say no, not just for us but for the whole of the North Sea."

A ballot is expected to be held in the next few days. The result will determine whether Unite members organise a final vote on industrial action.

A Wood Group spokeswoman said: "Safeguarding long-term employment opportunities for our employees on these assets is our priority and proposals regarding changes to terms and conditions are being reviewed with this as our firm focus.

"The terms and conditions under review have been approved by the Offshore Contractors Association and the recognised unions.

"During the consultation process we have attempted to reach an agreement with our employees by offering an enhancement to these terms and conditions, aligned with their competency and experience."