Thousands of British Airways cabin crew will be asked whether they should strike in a row over new contracts, following an announcement by the Unite union.

Unions and management have been in “open and frank” talks since the announcement of cost-cutting measures earlier this month. BA wants to cut 1,700 jobs and a two-year freeze on pay for current staff.

Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, has said: “Unite is going to ballot our British Airways cabin crew members on industrial action.

“BA management’s determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative.

“We will strongly support our members if they vote for industrial action, while of course remaining ready to negotiate with the company. Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations.”