North Sea helicopter pilots have shown strong support for strike action over potential job losses, according to a union.

The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) insisted its members accepted the downturn in the industry meant jobs would go, but said they were frustrated at the approach of management.

A move for a formal strike vote could now be considered but it was something union bosses said they hoped to avoid.

It comes after two firms announced consultations with staff over redundancies in the last month.

Bristow Helicopters revealed it could make 130 of its UK staff redundant while CHC Helicopter said about 50 jobs were at risk amid "challenging conditions" for the offshore industry.

Balpa confirmed last week it was holding an indicative ballot asking members if they are willing to take strike action.

General secretary Jim McAuslan said: "We are not being unreasonable. We know the downturn in the North Sea is going to hit jobs but the way the companies are going about it is causing massive frustration, borne out by the very high turnout and strong 'yes' vote in this ballot conducted over just four days.

"In the event management do not substantially shift their position, Balpa's national executive council will be meeting early next month to consider a move to a formal strike vote, something we are still hoping to avoid."

Balpa said a survey of its members also highlighted concerns over the impact on safety which could be caused by the threat of redundancy.

Mr McAuslan added: "Safety must come first. We are not saying that helicopter companies are indifferent to these issues but we would be remiss if we didn't highlight the stress and pressure that pilots are feeling.

"We will be passing these concerns on to the Civil Aviation Authority who regulate aviation in the North Sea."

A CHC spokeswoman said: "Even while the oil and gas industry faces a challenging time, our commitment to safety remains our top priority.

"We employ only the most highly-trained pilots, in the North Sea and around the world.

"Our pilots have qualifications and training that exceed the strict regulatory and industry standards, and we have the utmost confidence that they continue to be committed to operating in the safest manner at all times.

"We believe Balpa is doing their members a great disservice to suggest they would behave with anything less than total professionalism in the cockpit.

"We have not had any such concerns reported by our pilots, who are well aware of their obligation to report safety issues.

"We continue to be focused on conducting a thorough and fair consultation, working with employees and unions, and supporting those who are affected."

A Bristow Helicopters statement said: "We will continue to work closely with Balpa on ways to mitigate the proposed redundancies and further consultation meetings are scheduled for early next week.

"We remain resolute in our focus on safety throughout this process and have ensured that all pilots who are provisionally selected for redundancy are not permitted to fly.

"As a company we continue to provide support to all employees who may be affected by redundancy."