Home care workers have backed a consultative ballot calling for industrial action as a pay dispute escalates.

Union leaders claim Renfrewshire Council want lifeline care staff to receive 67p more an hour despite "hugely increased" responsibilities.

GMB Scotland has revealed its members working for the local authority overwhelmingly backed industrial action in a consultative ballot, which had a 94% turnout.

The union said a formal vote on strike action will be launched in January unless Renfrewshire Council reconsiders its position.

Kirsten Muat, GMB Scotland organiser, believes the results of the consultative ballot highlights the "anger" of home care workers.

She said: "Our members are committed to delivering crucial care in their communities so voting to support industrial action is not an action any of them will have taken lightly.

"However, this ballot reveals their absolute determination to have their work properly recognised and fairly rewarded. It is long overdue.

"Renfrewshire Council must understand the frustration of our members at being undervalued and underpaid for so long.

"This is difficult, physically demanding work demanding skills, knowledge, experience and an absolute commitment to those people needing care and support.

"Our members will now be asked to formally support industrial action to see the value of their work properly recognised and to protect the people they care for."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "At the request of Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) we carried out a job evaluation to consider a more developed Home Care Worker role.

"This followed the national job evaluation process. 

"We continue to engage and work with GMB and Trade Unions in respect of this."