HAMPSHIRE health workers are striking today over a pay dispute.

Unions are holding the ‘day of action’ in response to a government pay increase offer of one per cent, which would only be applicable to those already in the top pay band – excluding around 60 per cent of its workforce.

Staff at North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke will strike outside the hospital from 12pm to 2pm while health workers on the Isle of Wight will also take action.

An independent pay review previously recommended a one per cent increase for all NHS staff.

A Unison spokesman said: “UNISON believes that the public deserves a quality NHS with staff that are well motivated and properly rewarded for the vital work they do.”