The union representing British Airways cabin crew has said its members will go on strike for three days from 20 March and for four days from 27 March.

The Unite union confirmed it would not strike over Easter, but warned there could be further action after 14 April if a resolution had not been agreed.

BA cabin crew are striking over changes to pay and staffing levels imposed by the airline last November.

Another row has broken out between BA and the union about a new offer.

In addition to strike action, the union announced at a press conference that it would also ballot its members on a new offer from BA tabled earlier this week, but said it would not recommend it.

Although both sides reasserted that they were available for further talks, the language on both sides has hardened since the strikes were announced.

BA boss Willie Walshsaid the two parties were "not close at all" to coming to an agreement.

The union's proposals to save more than $91 million at the loss-making airline included staff pay cuts that BA described as "morally wrong". Mr Walsh said Unite had failed to provide any credible plan to date.

The union contended that it had "made enormous strides and significant offers that meet the demands of BA".

Unite's assistant general secretary Len McCluskey said that the withdrawal of the offer showed that the airline's management was "bent on confrontation and never had any intention of an agreement".

BA said all flights to and from London City Airport would be unaffected by strike action, as would all long-haul flights from Gatwick.

Questions have been raised about how many of the 7,500 cabin crew that voted for action last month will actually go on strike.

BA has said that those taking part will lose pay and perks, including no longer getting the right to buy heavily-discounted tickets.

The airline has already made extensive contingency plans in preparation for strike action.

It has already trained 1,000 staff to work as cabin crew to cover for any striking workers.