Employees of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have voted in favour of strike action to protest about the pay deal offered to them.
Possible action would affect Jobcentres, the Pension service and the Child Support Agency (CSA).
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said the pay offer is below inflation and would see about 40 per cent of staff receive a zero per cent pay increase next year.
Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of those voting backed strike action and the PCS' DWP group executive committee will now meet tomorrow to discuss options for industrial action including a two-day stoppage.
The PCS has written to the work and pensions secretary urging him to begin negotiations in order to prevent a strike.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "It is completely unacceptable that the department should seek to impose pay cuts in real terms on hardworking staff who have borne the brunt of massive job cuts.
"The anger of staff is illustrated by this strong vote in favour of strike action over an offer that will see the lowest paid receive only 24p above the minimum wage if it is imposed."
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