The planned job losses have stirred strong protests

RSPCA workers have narrowly voted against taking strike action over proposals to cut jobs.

But staff at the animal charity, who are members of the union Amicus, did vote in favour of taking other forms of industrial action.

Fresh talks are now expected between the union and managers to try to avoid a prolonged campaign of action, which could include such moves as a ban on overtime.

The protest is over RSPCA restructuring plans that could lead to the loss of about 260 jobs in a �7.6m cost-cutting programme over the next five years.

A private operator will run the organisation's national control centre, which handles 1.4 million calls a year, while the charity's management areas are to be reduced from 10 to five.

Stock market losses

The RSCPA has come up with the proposals after losses on stock market investments last year.

Union officials claim the staff cuts will affect the organisation's ability to care for animals.

It is thought to be the first time any big charity has faced industrial action on this scale.

More than 20 jobs are to be axed at the RSPCA's headquarters in Brecon in Wales, which is to close in February.

Staff there have staged protests to voice their fierce opposition to the plans.