Talks to try and avert strike action at BAA's six UK airports could start this weekend after Acas said it was seeking an early meeting between the two sides.

Staff at BAA yesterday voted three to one in favour of industrial action after they rejected a 1% pay rise.

Any strikes would close Heathrow, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stansted and Aberdeen airports. Unite has said it will not decide any dates for walkouts until Monday.

"We can confirm that Acas will be facilitating an early meeting of the parties once diaries can be cleared," said Acas chief conciliator Peter Harwood.