LABOUR staff have indicated they are willing to take strike action over any compulsory redundancies by the party, unions have said.

Members of Unite and GMB unions were consulted over possible industrial action, with three out of four voting in favour amongst a turnout of around 80%.

Another ballot would have to be held before any industrial action is taken.

The party's finances have taken a hit due to membership decreasing and the cost of fighting legal cases in recent years.

Keir Starmer's team is hoping to remove about 90 posts within the party by way of voluntary redundancies. This would amount to about a quarter of the workforce.

READ MORE: Labour to 'get rid of a quarter' of its workforce under restructuring plan

Applications for voluntary redundancies among Labour Party staff closed yesterday (August 31).

 

This result has been communicated to the party and both sides have agreed to meet at lunchtime this Friday (September 3).

Unite regional officer Matt Smith said: “Labour will be meeting with Unite and the GMB on Friday and both unions are hopeful that a way forward can be found that avoids any compulsory redundancies or resultant industrial action.”

GMB official Vaughan West said: “Labour Party workers have shown the strength of their anger at this ballot result.

“We hope party bosses will now sit up, take notice and talk with unions so we can avoid compulsory redundancies.”