More than 600 workers took part in a consultative ballot – with 97% voting in favour of taking strike action, on a turnout of more than 76%.

The trust wants to impose new contracts on thousands of staff, which would remove their right to a paid 20-minute shift break.

GMB has now lodged a formal dispute with the trust and will meet with reps to discuss next steps – including a full strike ballot – if the trust does not back down.

Rachel Dix, GMB organiser, said: ‘Hundreds of GMB members at Barnsley Hospital voted overwhelmingly for strike action if the trust does not stop this attack on removing paid breaks, increasing unpaid time at work.

‘On the back of this incredible result - which has seen a dramatic spike in membership growth – GMB has lodged a collective dispute with the employer.

‘We await their response, but our members are clear; they are prepared to take this all the way unless the hostile act of fire and rehire is halted and their breaks remain untouched.'

In response, a Barnsley Hospital spokesperson, said:  ‘We continue to engage with staff, trade unions and ACAS in order to try to address outstanding concerns. Of the approximately 1,500 colleagues impacted by the proposed changes, over 1,000 have signed to accept the revised terms and conditions.

‘Staff wellbeing is a priority for the trust. Ensuring colleagues have adequate rest breaks is essential to mitigate fatigue and maintain health. We remain committed to appropriate breaks in line with best practice and national NHS terms and conditions.

‘This process was driven by our commitment to fairness and consistency, addressing long-standing informal arrangements and variations in how breaks were taken across departments, which raised concerns about equity among other staff groups with unpaid breaks.'