A ballot of BT workers over strike action has been cancelled following legal advice, according to the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

The CWU was balloting members over industrial action in favour of a 5% pay rise - BT had offered a 5.1% rise over 21 months and several one-off payments.

The ballot has been called off as the CWU said there were technical breaches of the ballot that could have invalidated the result. Recent strikes by British Airways staff were stopped by the High Court due to irregularities with the ballot.

The CWU had been due to reveal the result of the voting, raising the threat of the first mass industrial action at the telecoms company since 1987.

The union added that it had received an offer from BT to meet for further negotiations, which it will take up. However, the CWU still plans to take the necessary steps to allow a re-ballot to be held.