The North Sea’s first major strike in a generation could take place within weeks after almost half the workers on Shell’s giant Brent oilfield platforms voted in favour of industrial action.

An overwhelming 99pc of the 200 oil workers employed by Wood Group to work on Shell’s rigs said they are prepared to down tools over new contracts which they argue offer lower pay for longer work hours across more difficult shift patterns.

Trade union Unite said 99.1 per cent of those voting in the ballot backed strike action and RMT added that only one of the 69 ballots cast came out against industrial action.

“This is a resounding endorsement,” a statement from Unite said.