HUNDREDS of workers at the British Library in London began a two-week strike in a dispute over pay today.

More than 300 staff have downed tools after facing a below-inflation rise for the second consecutive year, the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said.

Many are being forced to work second jobs and take out loans just to pay their bills and meet housing costs, the union said.

The strike is expected to disrupt the opening of a major new exhibition, Secret Maps, along with other events, including Queer Fantasy, World Wide Weird and Punk — 50 Years of Rebellion, Creativity and Raw Energy.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Management must return to the negotiating table with an offer that adequately rewards our members for their hard work.

”These workers are essential to maintaining everyday operations of the library, as the upcoming strike will make abundantly clear.”

The library said it had made a formal pay offer of 3 per cent for the year 2025/26, weighted to enhance benefits for lower pay bands, and that all staff would receive a minimum of a consolidated increase of 2.4 per cent or £800.

A spokesperson said: “The library has also reaffirmed its commitment to being a Living Wage Foundation employer, under which our lower-paid employees are likely to receive a substantially higher percentage increase.”

More than 100 PCS members who work at Tate Galleries are also being balloted for industrial action in a separate pay dispute.