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(JLR) could see its sales successes halted in its tracks after workers overwhelmingly rejected the company's latest pay and pension offer.

Around 96 per cent of staff have voted against a proposed three-year pay deal, worth around 14 per cent, raising the prospect of potential industrial action.

Trade union Unite said members had rejected the proposed changes, claiming it "fell short of expectations" and "failed to recognise the workforce's contribution to last year's profits of £2.5 billion."

Chief executive to accept the inflation-busting deal worth 7.7 per cent in the first year - and had also sought to calm pension fears.

The top JLR boss wrote to workers amid anger from unions at a 14 per cent, three-year deal which was recommended for rejection by shop stewards ahead of the workplace ballot.

Dozens of workers and sympathisers to claim the proposed rise was being funded out of the company's defined benefit pension scheme with an alleged £240 million hit.

Dr Speth had pledged the defined benefit schemes would be preserved - and urged workers to accept a 'strong and competitive offer.'

But the overwhelming vote against the deal throws the ball firmly back in JLR's court over pay and pensions.

The JLR boss had said: "I firmly believe that the offer on pay balances reward with responsibility. It is competitive within the context of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ automotive industry and significantly beyond settlements in the wider º£½ÇÊÓƵ economy.

"Our company offer means that Jaguar Land Rover employees will receive 50 per cent more than the current rate of inflation and for a production operator the deal is worth 7.7 per cent in the first year alone - a substantial deal which keeps you well ahead of the average for º£½ÇÊÓƵ car workers."

But a shopfloor source said: "The vote against has been absolutely overwhelming. The company has the result and now it is up to them. They have to think long and hard."