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The Queen could be hit by industrial action by low-paid staff at Windsor Castle in a row over allowances.

The Public and Commercial Services union will ballot more than half of the 200 royal workers tomorrow and action could start by the end of the month.

The union said the workers at the royal household had suffered years of pay restraint leaving them below the widely-recognised living wage of £7.85 an hour (£9.15 in London).

New recruits start on as little as £14,400 a year and staff are expected to carry out extra unpaid duties, including giving tours of the castle and acting as language interpreters and first aiders.

The union says non-strike industrial action would involve withdrawal of this goodwill, and would have a significant impact on the services provided to visitors.

(Image: Getty)

A pay offer for 2014 was only narrowly accepted by staff on the understanding that the additional allowances would be considered this year.

But senior officials in the Royal Households have refused to reward staff for their goodwill and pay allowances for additional duties.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "These workers are loyal to their employer and absolutely committed to ensuring visitors are given the royal treatment.

"It is scandalous that staff are so appallingly paid and expected to do work for free that brings in money for the royal family."

The royal household has yet to comment on the upcoming ballot.