Oil tanker drivers are threatening strike action, according to the union Unite.

Britain’s largest union is holding a ballot today to determine whether its 2,000 tanker driver members will begin industrial action over what it says are unfair employment terms. The ballot closes this afternoon.

Unite claims “behind the scenes, the major employers have been slashing drivers’ terms and conditions and cutting corners on training and safety in a bid to win contracts.”

The union is calling for national minimum standards on pensions, training, health and safety and pay.

The Government is reportedly training the army to take over duties if the strike takes place.