In total, 86% of the more than 400 NIAS paramedics and ambulance workers that Unite represents were willing to take strike action on management proposals to impose a new shift system.

The new shifts were to be piloted in the southeastern health and social care area for a year and would see a 'significant reduction' in ambulance cover at night time, according to the union.

Unite says that while the new shifts are only being trialled in the southeast, they will impact ambulance services across Northern Ireland.

Existing NIAS cover arrangements see ambulances travel from across Northern Ireland to cover shortfalls. The union says the new shifts will increase the likelihood for such long journeys, which will then have a knock-on impact leaving other areas, especially rural ones, with insufficient cover.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: ‘These new shifts are just a bandage to cover over the ambulance service staffing crisis. Ambulance workers will not pay the price for a crisis they didn't cause.'

Unite has expressed concern to management that not only do the proposed new shifts risk leaving areas without cover, but they are not family friendly. 

Unite regional officer for ambulance staff, Norman Cunningham, said: ‘The shift plans risk leaving areas without any cover. Our members are reporting instances when ambulances are having to travel from Coleraine to Bangor – and this will become even more commonplace. It's just not safe. Instead of seeking to cut corners on ambulance cover, NIAS needs to actively recruit to end the staffing crisis.

'Unite's consultative ballot for industrial action was overwhelming. NIAS management must recognise the strength of feeling and listen to its employees.'

Unite the union represents more than 400 paramedics and ambulance workers employed by the NI Ambulance Service.

NIAS was unavailable to comment at the time of writing.