The GMB union said voting will go ahead in depots across the country including, Bedford, Bracknell, Falkirk, Wigan, Kettering, Bristol and Wakefield.

The union said the dispute centred on a "litany" of problems over conditions, pay and collective bargaining rights.

An Asda spokesman said its views had been misrepresented and accused the union of "playing politics".

Twenty one depots will be balloted and it is thought a strike could affect supplies to about 300 stores.

Ed Watson, from Asda, told BBC News they felt their position had been "misrepresented".

He said: "We are very sad that the GMB, at a national level, are playing politics.

"We have been very clear that we want to update our collective bargaining not move away from having one.

"There has been a lot of progress at a local level and we commend the enthusiasm of local GMB officials."