UK's Qinetiq faces strike threat

LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) - Staff unions at British defence technology firm Qinetiq (QQ.L) are planning to hold a vote on potential strike action in a dispute over pay, a spokesman for the company said.

"We understand that a ballot is going on," the spokesman said on Monday.

"It's very disappointing. We are committed to continuing constructive discussions on pay."

The Financial Times reported that industrial action could take place from the middle of June unless an agreement is reached, citing David Luxton, national secretary of the Prospect union.

The dispute began in April when Qinetiq said it would not award blanket pay increases, blaming weak economic conditions. (Reporting by Myles Neligan; Editing by Anshuman Daga)