Approved social workers in Derbyshire have backed further industrial action after accusing the council of reneging on a pay deal.

After a work-to-rule campaign, around 35 ASWs were awarded two extra points at the top of their payscale in recognition of extra duties under the Mental Health Act.

But last week, they voted 90 per cent in favour of withdrawing from all ASW duties in a consultative ballot, and threaten to stage a formal ballot next month.

Unison steward Geoff Johnston accused the council of failing to backdate the full amount owed to lower grades, and of wiping out the ASWs' newly won pay differential by introducing a new payscale for all social work staff.

Johnston said that ASW staffing levels still remained at half the Department of Health's recommended levels due to recruitment and retention problems.

A spokesperson for the council said it was "surprised" by the ballot and was happy to discuss the issue further.