Council house repair staff in Stoke-on-Trent are set to go on strike as part of a national dispute over pay.

The craftworkers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have voted in favour of taking industrial action in response to a 3.2 per cent pay offer from employers.

The Unite trade union balloted around 1,000 craftworkers at seven local authorities, and previously warned that any strike would cause 'significant disruption' to key services.

The Local Government Association criticised the move saying it would mean craftworkers having to wait longer for a pay rise.

The city council said it would act to reduce the impact on tenants.

A council spokesperson said: "We learned yesterday that the national trade union, Unite, has confirmed it is to take industrial action covering some of our repairs and maintenance staff that look after our council housing.

"We have been preparing for this outcome through the ballot process and our aim is to avoid a negative impact on the services we provide for residents.

"Sadly, this is a national dispute and we look forward to the issue being resolved at a national level as soon as possible."

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The spokesperson added that the council would continue to work with its staff to ensure a 'positive working relationship'.