MUSEUM workers will take strike action over pay and work conditions after members of Prospect accused V&A boss Tristram Hunt of refusing to take part in talks.

Co-ordinated strikes with PCS members were announced today for September 4 and 5.

Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy said members were left with no choice after V&A bosses continued to “demonstrate their lack of respect for the very people who make the museum what it is — its dedicated, highly qualified staff.”

They are asking for a 4 per cent pay increase for workers earning above the Living Wage, that V&A become a London Living Wage employer, improved food provision at V&A East sites, and pay time-and-a-half for bank holiday shifts.

The V&A said its latest pay offer was “well above inflation for all staff,” adding that they have “have regular breaks” and that “extensive heatwave mitigations have also been put in place across our museums.”