SOUTHAMPTON physiotherapy staff are to go on strike today following a dispute over pay.

Physiotherapists will be on the picket line outside Southampton General Hospital on Thursday, February 9.

Staff are striking over "unfair pay", they said.

The walk-out is being led by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy which claims staff are under "extraordinary pressure".

READ MORE: Nurses strikes continue with big rally as nursing chief visits picket line

A spokesperson said: "Strike action is a last resort and this is the first time in our history that we have taken action over pay.

"Physiotherapy staff are working under extraordinary pressure due to workforce shortages and huge waiting lists and a pay offer that is half the rate of inflation is nowhere near enough.

"Failing to pay staff fairly will increase these pressures if people leave, causing greater stress for those who remain and longer waits for patients.

"Unlike the Scottish and Welsh Governments, the UK Government has refused to lift a finger to avert strike action in England.

"The government must come back with a better deal to ensure we retain the staff we desperately need."

READ MORE: NHS faces biggest strike yet as nurses and ambulance crews walk out

Around 4,500 members of CSP will strike at a further 33 trusts in England.

It comes after strike action on January 26 in which 4,200 physiotherapists and support staff were called on to walk out at 30 trusts across England.

Nurses across Southampton rallied together at the picket lines for better pay and working conditions on Monday and Tuesday.

Nurses told the Echo it's "soul-destroying" not to be able to offer the care patients deserve during strike action on Monday outside Southampton General Hospital.

Paramedics and call handlers also walked out on Monday with more strike action planned for Friday. 

They are also striking following a pay dispute. 

Government says it cannot meet their pay claim.

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