Network Rail maintenance workers have voted in favor of strike action, meaning that industrial action over Easter is a real possibility.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said 65% of members voted and of those 77% backed industrial action.

The ballot was called over plans to cut up to 1,500 maintenance jobs and change working practices. Network Rail has said that the job cuts are necessary as it attempts to modernize the country's railways.

"The way the railway is maintained and operated needs to change. Work practices that date back to the steam age should no longer have a place on a modern railway. We cannot allow the unions to hold this country to ransom," said a spokesperson for Network Rail.