BUTLIN’S staff have voted unanimously for strike action in a dispute over chronic understaffing, faulty equipment and working conditions.

The United Voices of the World (UVW) trade union said that safety officers at the resort chain’s Bognor Regis site could being walkouts as early as next week and could include the final summer bank holiday weekend.

They say that understaffing, faulty equipment, lack of paid breaks and what they believe are unlawful wage deductions and poor management are undermining their ability to do their jobs safely.

Separately, workers say fire safety concerns relating to fire doors and external cladding raised for more than three years were only started to be addressed within days of the union warning that formal complaints could follow.

The workers, who deal with incidents at the resort including medical emergencies, lost children and violence, are seeking a pay rise to £14 an hour and voluntary recognition of UVW as their union.

A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority, we reject any claim that a Butlin’s resort is unsafe.

“We strongly refute the suggestion that Butlin’s only began addressing fire safety matters following UVW’s intervention. This work forms part of an ongoing long-established programme.”