NHS staff belonging to Unison in east Kent will stage a four-hour stoppage on Monday.

Taking place between 7am - 11am it will be followed by four days of short strike action between Tuesday, October 14, and Friday, October 17. Instead of members working through their breaks, the action will see staff take their breaks.

Nurses, paramedics, therapists, cooks, cleaners, health-care assistants and admin staff are included.

Head of health at Unison in the south east, Tony Jones said: “NHS members don’t take action often or lightly.

“For many of our members this will be the first time they walk out as the last action over pay was 32 years ago.

“Staff are on average 10% worse off than when the coalition came to power and this means their families are suffering and morale is hitting rock bottom.

“A well-motivated workforce saves lives so we need to cherish and support our NHS staff who work day in, day out caring for others,” he said.