Thousands of rail passengers face further misery after a major union announced it will vote on whether to strike over proposed job cuts.

Maintenance staff from the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will be balloted on industrial action in the next two weeks in response to Network Rail proposal to cut around 1,500 jobs nationally by April.

The RMT said several hundred staff in Sussex will be balloted in the national strike which will go ahead next month if members vote for action.

A spokesman for the union said any strike would have a “massive impact on services”.

Network Rail has denied that the job cuts would affect safety and has accused the union of “scaremongering” in the past.

Many commuters will be dismayed by news of a possible strike after recent disruption caused by First Capital Connect staff working to rule and heavy snow affecting services.