A ROW over meal break payments is still threatening to disrupt 999 responses by ambulances.

There were hopes the dispute between crews and the North-East Ambulance Service could have been sorted out yesterday.

However, details of an offer negotiated between Unison's national negotiators and the NHS executive were still being finalised.

Ambulance staff belonging to Unison voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action over a pay and conditions package.

If the union goes ahead with an overtime ban, it is likely to lead to a reduction in the number of front-line ambulances available in County Durham, Tyneside, Wearside and Northumberland to answer 999 calls.

Crews are angry that they are being asked to stay on duty during meal breaks without pay.

Managers at the Newcastle-based trust argue that staff will be better off if they agree to the new deal.

Because the ambulance trust is testing out new national arrangements on pay and conditions, the North-East dispute has attracted the attention of national officials from both sides.

Ray McDermott, secretary of North-East ambulance Unison branch, said last night: "We are awaiting clarification from our national organisers and should have an answer tomorrow."

If there is a significant new offer, Mr McDermott said his members would probably have to be re-balloted.

Before industrial action can begin the union must give the employers seven days notice.