Steel workers have voted almost 9-1 to strike in a row over pensions, threatening the first national walkout for more than 30 years.

Members of the Community union at Tata Steel backed strike action by 88% and other forms of action by 96% in a turnout of 76% – well above planned new Government thresholds.

Unions are protesting over changes to the British Steel Pension Scheme which they claim could see workers retiring at 65 instead of 60.

Tata Steel is an Indian-owned multinational corporation which owns UK plants once operated by the formerly nationalised British Steel.

The company has warned the pension scheme is heading for a £2billion shortfall.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: “We stand on the brink of the first national strike in the steel industry for over 30 years.

"Steel workers are determined to stand up to Tata. They have not been fooled by the company’s propaganda. They have voted overwhelmingly for their pensions, their families and their futures."

Members of Community’s executive will meet on Monday to discuss the next move.

Before the ballot result was announced, chief executive of Tata Steel’s European operations Karl Koehler sent an open letter to workers urging them not to support industrial action.

More than 6,000 Community members were balloted.