THOUSANDS of Environment Agency workers across England will strike for the first time later this month in a significant escalation of their pay dispute, Unison announced today.

The ground-breaking walkout is due to take place between 8am and 5pm on Wednesday January 18, the public-sector union confirmed.

The agency’s staff maintain important safety structures, including the Thames Barrier and coastal sea defences, and also protect communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste fires and fly-tipping.