BARNET Council has threatened staff intending to take strike action tomorrow with a High Court injunction.

As 400 members of staff prepare to strike against the council's One Barnet service outsourcing programme, the council has threatened legal action.

Barnet UNISON union branch secretary John Burgess said he has seen the letter and its contents were "a very serious matter".

"I have seen a letter written by the Chief Executive which has been distributed by hand to all staff who have been currently legally balloted for industrial action," he said.

"In the letter he states the 'council are presenting an injunction application to the high court'."

Councillor Daniel Thomas, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance is said the action was not being pursued.

“In situations such as these the council considers all options, the possibility of seeking an injunction was under consideration but ultimately it was decided not to pursue that course of action at this time," he said.

“However, the council reserves its right to take all and any forms of legal action in the future should it be deemed appropriate and necessary."

Tomorrow's strike coincides with the first full council meeting since the summer break and has been dubbed "Barnet Independence Day".