Trade union GMB warn Wandsworth streets are to "become the dirtiest in London" as cleansing staff prepare to strike over "modern day slavery".

Staff at Continental Landscapes, a company commissioned by Wandsworth Council, are poised to take part in their first two day strike because their employers are paying £7.50 per hour when the London Living Wage is £9.75.

Paul Grafton, a full time official at GMB said: "The directors of Continental Landscapes are simply promoting modern day slavery within Wandsworth and yet the Wandsworth Council show no interest and appear to be happy to see the staff earning so little.

"Staff employed by Continental Landscapes undertake significant manual work for a pittance of £7.50 an hour leaving some staff struggling to pay for the most basic of needs yet the directors swan around in their luxury cars and relax in their plush homes in the UK and France."

Wandsworth Council contracted Continental Landscapes who hire staff as drivers and street cleaners.

"Since Continental Landscapes have taken on the contract the staff have suffered not only in having their hours slashed but also the rates of overtime reduced at weekends and evenings.

"Some staff will also be losing a further £150 a month as a result of the continual cuts on the contract."

The first two days of strike action will be Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, March 1.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said: "This is a dispute between our contractor and their workforce.

"We expect services to be provided in line with the terms of the contract."

Continental Landscapes have been contacted for comment.