HEALTH support workers are striking over pay at Ealing Hospital.

GMB union members employed by healthcare support firm Medirest are seeking an increase closer to the NHS rate in London.

The strikes began on Friday and are set to continue to next Friday.

Those involved are outsourced employees and carry out domestic, catering, porter and help desk roles. They are demanding an increase from their current hourly rate of £6.31 to a pay rate more in line with the London living wage of £8.80.

Stella George-Duesbury, regional organiser, said: “These vital NHS workers are on the national minimum rate. Their pay rate is 44% below the comparable NHS rate in London of £9.09. This two-tier workforce is simply not acceptable.”

GMB workers are also seeking improved annual leave and sickness benefits.

A Medirest spokesman said: “We are aware of this strike by a number of our employees and take such matters very seriously. We have met with the GMB and remain committed to having an open and constructive dialogue with all parties involved.

“We have ensured that necessary contingency plans are in place to maintain the standards of cleaning, safety and patient dining expected from Medirest.”