A CHESHIRE business consultant is warning of a higher risk of industrial action in the coming weeks as workers feel the strain of the recession.

Ruth Sanderson, of Blue Pea Pod, warns that many firms have asked employees to take on more work during the downturn.

This, added to the stress of job insecurity and no prospect of a wage rise, has pushed many people to the brink, she claims.

She says chief executives and managing directors needed to understand that discontent among their employees could be a sign that they have been asked contribute too much for too little and for too long.

“From the Credit Crunch to the full-blown recession, we’ve all been under tremendous pressure for a long time now,” said Ms Sanderson.

“Many workers have seen jobs fly out of the window while hoping their wages are safe.

“Scared and loyal employees have been asked to do more, or work for less or both, in order to make it through the recession.

“But that level of stress over that length of time takes its toll.

“And it’s not surprising that some workers and their unions have said enough is enough.

“They may have decided that they’ve given enough and, in extreme cases, may see industrial action as the only means of improving their lot.”