The move follows a series of meetings held across Scotland last week where hundreds of members expressed their anger at SAC’s refusal to make any pay offer in response to the union’s claim for a 3% increase. Staff were particularly distressed to learn that SAC had not even approached the Scottish Executive to ask for additional funding to meet the cost of a pay rise this year.

“When asked why they hadn’t requested funds to meet staffing obligations, management said that in the view of the board it 'was not in the best interests of the business.' They provided no explanation for this extraordinary statement,” said Alan Denney, Prospect negotiator.

“Members are well aware that the zero increase proposed by management represents a pay cut in real terms. They are particularly upset with this position since they have worked closely with management over the last few years to reduce SAC's deficit, which had stood at £2.2m. To be treated in this manner after such stalwart efforts is nothing short of an insult. Morale has fallen through the floor and members are saying enough is enough.”

At the meetings in Aberdeen, Auchincruive, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Inverness, members sent a clear statement to SAC that if it continues to ignore the arguments put across the negotiating table, they would take action.

The ballot on industrial action will commence next week and run until early December. If industrial action does go ahead it will include a strike, in late December or early January, and work to rule, which is likely to affect tuition as well as veterinary, research and advisory services to Scotland’s agricultural community.