Nursery workers in Barnsley will vote on strike action in a dispute over pensions after six council-run nurseries were transferred to a private provider. The GMB union says staff were promised continued access to local government pensions but were later told they would move to the provider’s statutory scheme, which it says would reduce retirement benefits and remove death-in-service cover.

The formal ballot is due to begin on 5 October, following an indicative vote in which all participating staff supported possible industrial action. Barnsley Council says it was advised workers were not legally eligible to remain in the local government scheme, while arguing the transfer could expand childcare provision and reduce pressure on council finances; it says services would be maintained as far as possible if staff strike.