������̳

More than 700 emergency gas workers could strike over long working hours.

Staff at Northern Gas Networks (NGN), who fix gas leaks across northern England, have voted to walk out over workplace problems which they say pose a "serious health risk to the public", according to GMB Union.

NGN head Mark Horsley said the union's threat was based on a ballot in which "nearly two-thirds of our field workforce chose to either not vote at all or voted against".

He said the company took the wellbeing of staff "incredibly seriously" and was committed to resolving the dispute.

GMB organiser Andrew Aldwinkle said the workers simply wanted "reasonable working conditions and to keep the public safe".

He said fatigue was a serious issue facing employees and it was "a clear danger when working with flammable, toxic gas leaks".

He also said people who developed Covid-19 were not given sick pay, with many feeling forced to work "even in places like care homes".

The union said its members had brought the issues to management but had been ignored.

It is seeking improvements in sick pay, overtime rates, annual leave and a reduction in the hours spent working each week.

Mr Horsley said the firm had an "industry-leading position of working time limits" and the union was asking for "unsustainable proposals".

He said staff at the firm had had an average salary increase of nearly 30% over the last four years.

GMB said it would announce strike dates in the coming days.

Follow ������̳ North East on , , and . Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.