CLINICAL support workers at Wirral University Teaching Hospitals Trust began four weeks of strikes today, marking the start of their longest period of action so far.

Hundreds walked out at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, demanding to be paid at least £2,000 more each year for performing tasks well above their pay grade.

NHS guidelines say clinical support workers should provide personal care such as bathing and feeding.  

However workers say they also take on tasks such as performing electrocardiogram tests and inserting cannulas and are demanding to be moved to another pay band.

Strikes were paused in November following an agreement between the trust and Unison on the date staff should benefit from back pay.

However, workers resumed strikes after a disagreement over the number of people entitled to back pay and regrading.

Unison regional organiser David McKnight said: “The Wirral workers feel betrayed after agreeing a date with the trust, only for the trust to tell hundreds of them they’re not eligible.

“This is no way to treat loyal staff, especially when neighbouring trusts have made significantly better offers.”