STAFF at York Hospital yesterday joined colleagues across the country in a strike over pay.

Staff, including nurses and midwives, staged a new four-hour strike yesterday morning over the Government’s decision not to accept a recommended one per cent pay rise.

Michelle Hartlett, branch secretary for Unite, said: "We have had lots of support.

"This is the last thing we want to do - we are in these jobs because we care... it's disheartening to know the Government does not care when we are doing the best jobs we can."

The strike will be followed by up to six days of work-to-rule. Measures will include members claiming pay for extra hours or refusing to work overtime. And staff will take all breaks to which they are entitled.

A York Hospital Trust spokesman said: "We recognise that staff have the right to voice their concerns in this way, and we have been working with our staff to ensure we continue to provide safe care for our patients."