UNITE union members working for the NHS began balloting on a new pay deal today.

Bosses have proposed a three-year deal worth 6.5 per cent for many staff. The union, which  has 100,000 members working for the NHS, is recommending acceptance.

Unite national officer for health Sarah Carpenter said: “We are urging our members to turn out to vote in big numbers to accept the package that was hammered out after some tough negotiations.