NURSES are being sent ballot papers, asking if they are ready to consider industrial action in a pay dispute with the Government.

The Royal College of Nursing said it took the move because the Government said it would pass on a 2.5 per cent pay rise in two stages, equating to 1.9 per cent over the year.

Nurses elsewhere in the UK will get the full rise in one go.

No-one from Warrington's branch of the Royal College of Nursing was available to speak about the issue.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "The pay award for health professionals in England is a fair award reflecting the balance between levels of pay and the threats of inflation."