UNION chiefs were in talks with the Health Secretary yesterday last week in a bid to avert a strike by health workers this Thursday, January 29.

Picket lines have been agreed and materials ordered as union members prepare to walk out over pay.

Joanne Kaye, UNISON South West regional secretary, said the sticking point is the Government’s refusal to agree a 1% pay award recommended by the independent NHS Pay Review Body.

Union bosses met Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt last Tuesday before further talks on Wednesday.

A Health Department spokesman said Government proposals which would guarantee all staff at least a 1% pay rise this year and next had been rejected by the unions.”