OUTSOURCED call centre and back office workers for Lloyds, M&G, Aviva and Phoenix began striking today.

Unite warned the action will cause “considerable disruption” as 1,000 of its members walked out for 24 hours at five Diligenta sites over a pay row.

The dispute is set to escalate as further strikes have now been scheduled for November 28, December 1, December 8 and December 9.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Diligenta needs to wake up. Imposing a real terms pay cut on its workers, while making millions of pounds of profits and whilst continuing to reward shareholders, is completely unacceptable.

“Today across picket lines Unite members will be making their anger clear in their fight for the fair pay deal they deserve. This is only the beginning of the industrial action.”

The company has been contacted for comment.