Hundreds of NHS workers across south west London are striking this morning over 'fair pay'.

Midvives are on the picket line outside St Helier Hospital in Sutton.

Healthworkers at Kingston Hospital are also reported to be on strike this morning.

It follows a strike last month.

Oct 13: UPDATE: Industrial action by ambulance workers to continue all week in Surrey and London

Sam Peacock, a St Helier Hosptial, said: "We are striking for fair pay one per cent increase for all midwives as recommended by the independent pay review body."

The protests form part of a national demonstration against the Government's decision not to implement a one per cent pay rise.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "NHS staff are our greatest asset and we want to make the current pay system fairer — which is why we have put forward proposals that would guarantee all staff would get at least a 1% pay rise this year and next, but these have been rejected by the unions."

"We have taken tough decisions to increase the NHS budget, but we can't afford a consolidated pay rise in addition to increments without risking 10,000 frontline jobs.”

 

 



A Freedom of Information request published on November 8 revealed that London Ambulance estimated the October 13 strike cost it in the region of £300,000 - paying for full commercial rates for police and military support.

The FoI said: "The estimated costs for the whole of London for the strike period of 13th October are in the region of £300k but we will not know the full costs for some months yet and will not be able to break these down to ward level.

"There will also be additional staff travel expenses but these are likely to be less than £1k and we will not know the final figure until staff  have finished submitting their claims."

Are you out on strike this morning? Do you support the strike? Send your comments and pictures to louisa.clarence@london.newsquest.co.uk