The RMT union had been deliberating a 5% pay rise, backdated to January last year, along with a 4% hike for 2023 made by train operators and Network Rail during extensive talks last month.

There have already been 19 days of action as part of the dispute but none over the past month due to hopes that resolutions on the key issues, including job security, were close.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We have carried out an in-depth consultation of our 40,000 members and the message we have received loud and clear is to reject these dreadful offers.

"Our members cannot accept the ripping up of their terms and conditions or to have safety standards on the railway put into jeopardy under the guise of so-called modernisation."

The RMT said it will begin to make preparations for a re-ballot when the existing strike mandate runs out in May, meaning strikes could continue for the rest of the year.