PARAMEDICS are going on strike in a row over pay today.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) paramedics that are members of the GMB union are staging a two hour walk out.

The strike comes after more than 84 per cent of members voted for strike action in relation to a long-running pay dispute.

GMB said their calls for an external evaluation of pay were refused by NWAS.

But ambulance service bosses said they were 'extremely disappointed' with the action.

Mike Buoey from GMB said: “GMB’s north west paramedics are taking this step reluctantly as a last resort – but they’ve been backed into a corner.

“NWAS asked what they wanted. We told them; an independent investigation into what has happened during the past 13 years and an external evaluation of the job role. They flatly refused."

Michael Forrest, deputy chief executive for NWAS, said: "The trust is extremely disappointed with the actions proposed by GMB and believes it has worked closely with them to try and work through the issues which formed the basis of the ballot.

“We have been made aware that the strike action is proposed to take place today. It will only affect paramedics who are part of the GMB Union and have been since August 2016. Those striking will do so at the start of their shift, for two hours, if their shift starts between 0600 and 1200.

“We are unable to say how many staff will be taking action but we do know that there are 135 GMB paramedics rostered to start their shift during this time period on June 18."

Mr Forrest said discussions are still on-going to resolve the matter with their trade union partners UNITE and UNISON and GMB have been invited to meetings where they are seeking to 'resolve the matter to both parties satisfaction.'

He added: “Plans are being put in place to manage our workforce level and if the proposed action does go ahead, our priority will be to minimise the impact on our patients across the North West.

“We will continue to make attempts to resolve these issues as quickly as possible and would like to assure the public that their safety is our primary concern.

“As always, we ask the public to help us by only calling 999 for an ambulance for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency health concerns, alternative care and advice can be found though local pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in centres or NHS111.”