Council strike to hit services

Refuse collections will be affected

Vital services are likely to be hit for up to a month as a new wave of strike action by council workers begins in London.

The dispute is likely to affect local services such as refuse collection, transport and benefit claims.

The action is being taken over the London Weighting allowance, which local government union Unison wants increased to £4,000-a-year.

The strikes are due to last until 8 August. They will vary from up to two weeks in some boroughs but four weeks in others.

Boroughs will be taking action to reduce the impact of the strikes and maintain services, though senior managers acknowledge that there are likely to be delays and a backlog of work in some areas.

Residents in the south London borough of Southwark could be worst affected as their will be no domestic waste collection all week.

Councillor Nick Stanton, leader of Southwark Council, comments: "They know full well we cannot afford to meet their claim for higher pay.

"Leaving the borough full of rubbish is unlikely to win support for their position."

A series of strikes was held last year as part of the union's campaign to increase the allowance, which currently stands at £2,800 for inner London and £1,500 for outer London.