STAFF at Hampshire hospitals are back on strike this morning as part of an ongoing battle with the Government over pay.

Nurses, cleaners, porters, midwives, paramedics and other members of staff will walk out at Andover War Memorial Hospital between 7am and 11am. The stoppage will be followed by six days of action when staff will work to rule.

Contingency plans will be in place at hospitals and the South Central Ambulance Service throughout today's action.

Health workers from ten other health unions are joining UNISON workers for the industrial action.

It follows a first day of strike action on October 13, with the unions locked in a bitter dispute with the Government.

Tony Jones, UNISON Regional head of health, said: “For many in the NHS, last month's strike was a first. The next industrial action will be bigger as more unions will be joining it. Jeremy Hunt needs to listen to NHS workers who feel this Government is treating them with contempt.

"NHS workers are overworked and underpaid. Most patients would be shocked to know that one in five of the NHS workers who care for them need to do a second job just to survive and many have to borrow money every month to make ends meet or resort to foodbanks.”