PCS claims that Fujitsu is refusing to increase a below-inflation pay offer - of between 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent - to its workers, while senior management have received large bonuses as a result of performance targets being met.

Industrial action would affect work on contracts across the UK, including those at the Home Office, Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Office of National Statistics.

The balloted IT workers are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which said that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) would be particularly affected by strike activity.

Fujitsu provides IT support to HMRC's systems, and maintains the IT systems that produce driving licenses. PCS said that the company could face financial penalties for not meeting service level agreements.

In addition to the low pay offer, the union said that Fujitsu had reneged on a commitment provided during talks last year, to introduce a structured pay progression system.