BUS services could be disrupted if drivers vote to take industrial action over pay next month.

Drivers at the Ross-on-Wye depot are among 360 Stagecoach West employees being balloted by Unite over possible strike action.

The union say drivers are taking action to combat low rates of pay, with many paid under £11 an hour, for "a highly skilled, responsible and demanding role".

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Low pay is the scourge of the bus industry.

"That’s why Unite has been relentless in its campaign to ensure that our members at Stagecoach receive a fair pay increase.

"Unite is the union which always puts the jobs, pay and conditions of its members first. The union will be giving our members at Stagecoach West its full support until this dispute is resolved."

But Stagecoach has hit back, saying the union has refused to show flexibility around pay offers.

The company said the industrial action would damage the livelihoods of local people and businesses, as well as set back the recovery of bus services from the pandemic.

Stagecoach has said it has employed some 140 new drivers to improve the reliability of services.

And Stagecoach West managing director Rachel Geliamassi added: "We really value our employees, who are doing a fantastic job under some challenging circumstances, and we agree that they deserve a good pay increase.

"Our people have previously benefitted from above inflation pay increases and we are continuing with that legacy.

"This year has been a greater challenge, but despite this, we have still put forward strong pay offers of between five to 10 per cent to recognise the valuable role our people play in our communities, and that helps protect the long-term sustainability of the bus network.

"The very last thing that our customers and communities need is the threat of industrial action.

"We have recruited a large team of additional bus drivers to improve the reliability of our services.

"Any unnecessary disruption would set back the recovery of bus services and be a real kick in the teeth for local communities.

"We should be working together on a way forward that protects both jobs and services.

"Whilst we appreciate Unite remaining open for talks, it’s very challenging that they are unwilling to show any flexibility.

"We would urge Unite to put customers first instead of creating more uncertainty for people who rely on their bus services to get to work, access public and other services, and stay in touch with their friends and families."

Drivers are set to be balloted from this week until February 10, with possible strike action looming later next month.

Unite claims that Stagecoach’s parent company remains extremely profitable, with its accounts revealing that the group made an annual profit of £58.4m.

Regional officer Shevaun Hunt said: "If strike action goes ahead it will inevitably cause disruption to bus passengers across the region.

"However this dispute is entirely of Stagecoach’s own making it can afford to make a fair pay offer but it has chosen not to.

"Unite is fully committed to further talks to resolve this dispute.

"It simply requires Stagecoach to return to the negotiating table with a pay offer which meets members’ expectations."