Thousands of NHS staff including mental health nurses, paramedics and ambulance crews have voted to take industrial action in the run up to Christmas in a dispute over pay.

The Unite union described the current deal, worth around 8 per cent over the next three years, as derisory.

Union officials claimed that the welfare of patients would be paramount during the action, which would start before the end of the year. It will be decided later in the week what form the action will take.

Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, said: “The Government’s stated aim of controlling inflation with public sector pay restraint was just wrong before. After the economic meltdown, it is completely ludicrous.

“Pay cuts will only make recession longer and deeper. It’s time for the Government to reconsider its policy on NHS pay.”

Unite, which balloted 77,000 workers, said there was a 3-1 vote in favour of industrial action with just over half backing walkouts.

David Fleming, Unite’s national officer for health, said: “The stand that our members have taken against the derisory three-year pay deal imposed by ministers has been vindicated.

“Our members were appalled and angry at the three-year pay deal imposed by the Government in the spring. Inflation has now broken through the 5 per cent barrier and their household bills are increasing on an almost daily basis.

“They were also upset that the Government undermined the independence of the pay review body by imposing its own settlement.

“The door is still open for the Government to reopen negotiations on pay before any action commences and our members would welcome such an initiative.

“Ministers should cease using the argument that public sector pay fuels inflation, which has been discredited by most reputable economists.

“Whatever action our members take, emergency cover will be maintained at all times and the welfare of patients and clients will remain paramount.”

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