WINCHESTER Jail could be poised for industrial action following the result of a national ballot by prison officers.

The Prison Officers' Association says a vote over the 2007 pay award backed action up to and including "strike action."

Any action would also affect the three prisons on the Isle of Wight: Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill.

Negotiations are set to be held at national level to avert any disruption.

Colin Moses, national chairman of the POA, said: "The morale of staff throughout England and Wales is at rock bottom.

"Prisons are bursting at the seams, the level of assaults against staff has risen to more than eight a day."