HUNDREDS of contracted health workers in north-west England went on strike today for equal pay.

Caterers and cleaners employed by private contractor Compass at Whiston Hospital, St Helens Hospital and Blackpool Victoria Hospital are taking industrial action over the company’s failure to match NHS pay rates and working conditions.

Most of Compass’s workers are on the minimum wage of £8.21 an hour, while colleagues directly employed by the NHS earn £9.03.