More than 2,000 meter-readers for energy giant EDF are balloting for a strike over pay.

The multinational, 85 per cent owned by the French government, offered the workers just 2 per cent plus a £200 lump sum for 2013 and has made no offer this year — despite racking in British profits of £800 million last year.

EDF is Britain’s biggest energy producer, supplying 20 per cent of electricity, mainly from eight nuclear power stations.

Workers in EDF’s nuclear section were offered 2.5 per cent in 2013 as well as £450 per person.

Unions Unite and GMB are still negotiating the meter-readers’ rise for 2013, with ballots for both unions closing in a fortnight’s time.

GMB warns that EDF has been contracting out meter-reading work to G4S, threatening members’ jobs.

Regional officer Nick Day said “The offer from the company for 2013 for staff in these EDF departments is 1.2 per cent below inflation.

“GMB believes that all EDF staff contribute towards the profitability of the company so these members should get a better pay offer.

“Members are also concerned over the outsourcing of their work to G4S without any consultation and a proposed ‘two-tier’ workforce for smart metering.

“GMB takes any threat to our members wherever they work in EDF very seriously.”