THE Society of Radiographers has notified NHS trusts and employers across the UK that it will be balloting its 17,000 plus members who work in the public sector as part of the ongoing pay dispute with the government.

The notices to employers was issued on Monday, September 8 and society members will be sent their voting papers a week later.

The SoR says the ballot asks members whether they will support strike action, following the decision by Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt not to invite the independent review body for the NHS to make a pay recommendation for 2015.

“Our members will endure a continuing pay freeze, the fourth in the past five years and that is unacceptable,” said Paul Moloney, the Society's trade union and industrial relations manager.

“Radiographers, in common with many other healthcare professionals, have simply had enough of their goodwill and loyalty being taken advantage of.

“We all accepted the need to support the restraints placed on public services because of the recession but now that the economy is improving and growing, it is time for pay to at least keep place with inflation. We have members who, in real terms, have lost thousands of pounds in pay.

“Our members are dedicated to their work and to the care of their patients. They frequently work unpaid overtime to ensure that patient care is of the highest quality.”

The Society will know the result of the ballot by Friday, October 3 and the organisation’s UK Council will make a decision during the following week.