The Offshore Contractors' Association has called for fresh talks with trade unions as a dispute over pay and conditions rumbles on.

Last week, workers who are part of the GMB union voted to take industrial action.

Less than 50% of RMT members who were eligible to vote supported such a move.

Paul Atkinson, chief executive of the Offshore Contractors Association, said: "Now all the trade union ballots have been declared we must focus all our energy on reaching a fair and reasonable settlement.

"I have contacted the relevant union officials and asked them to join me around the negotiating table in the next few days.

"The OCA has reached out to the unions because we believe an early settlement is in everyone's interest."

He added: "We must share responsibility for securing the long term future of the UK Continental Shelf.

"Our offer which guarantees that basic and associated pay elements will increase by 2% this year, and a minimum of 2% next year, remains on the table."