Public-sector trade unions are set to ballot their members on a one-day stoppage next month if the Government persists with its plan to impose further cuts in their pay.

If the ballot is passed, the vast majority of Ireland's 300,000 public servants, including teachers and nurses, will hold a 24-hour strike on November 24th.

The decision to press ahead with the ballot comes as the public-sector unions continue talks with government officials about ways to reduce the public-sector pay bill.

The Government has said it plans to cut the overall bill by 6.5% in this December's budget.

The unions have warned that they will not accept any cuts to core pay rates, but it is unclear if they are willing to support alternatives such as redundancies, reduced overtime and cuts in special allowances.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, has also softened his stance in recent days, saying he will consider reform rather than pay cuts if the 6.5% savings can be achieved through this method.