Union leaders have served formal notice of a ballot among thousands of British Airways cabin crew in a dispute over new contracts and job cuts.

Unite said thousands of its members would start voting on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action on November 16, the same day as new employment contracts come into force.

The ballot will close on December 14, raising the threat of strikes just before Christmas.

The union will have to give seven days notice of any action, so the earliest walkout would be a few days before Christmas, at the start of the busy festive season.

More than 13,300 cabin crew staff will be balloted, with union leaders predicting a big yes vote in favour of action.

Unite has complained that the new contracts involve lower pay and worse conditions, although BA insists they will not affect current employees.

On Friday the airline announced massive losses and said it was cutting a further 1,200 jobs in the face of the downturn in aviation.