M25 maintenance workers in Dartford and Swanley have announced strike action, set to cause "serious disruption" to journey times.

Around 150 employees of Balfour Beatty are set to strike, due to dissatisfaction over a proposed 3.4 per cent pay rise.

This pay increase is below the 4.9 per cent inflation rate, meaning a pay cut in real terms.

The staff voted for action on Wednesday, March 13, and are set to walk out on strike dates which will be announced soon.

The news comes as Balfour Beatty announced an increase of seven per cent on its revenues for 2023, which now amount to £9.6 billion.

Profits are also reported to have risen by two per cent, bringing the total to £236 million.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Providing these workers with a fair pay rise would not even dent Balfour Beatty huge profits.

"Balfour Beatty is hugely profitable - its pay offer is all about greed not need.

"Unite will be backing our members 100 per cent during the forthcoming strike action."

Employees on strike will come from depots located in Barnet, Uxbridge, Swanley, Epping and Dartford.

Unite says their strike action will cause "serious disruption" to journey times.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: "The inconvenience and delays caused by strike action to M25 travellers sits squarely at the door of Balfour Beatty.

"It has had every opportunity to put forward a reasonable offer but has repeatedly refused to do so.

"Balfour Beatty must swiftly return to talks with Unite and table an acceptable pay deal."

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said:  "We are disappointed by Unite the Union’s decision to proceed with strike action. 

"We remain committed to working with them to reach an appropriate outcome, and would like to reassure travellers that suitable contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption."