PARAMEDICS are to stage a fresh strike in a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of the GMB union at the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) will stage a 12-hour walkout tomorrow.

It will be the fourth strike in recent weeks in a row over job re-evaluation going back more than 13 years.

GMB official Mike Buoey said: "Our members are desperate to get this situation resolved - they've been waiting a long time for their job to be re-evaluated for the years between 2005 to 2016.

"The last thing we want is ongoing industrial action, yet NWAS seem determined to let the situation continue.

"We've had just one meeting since the strikes started - most of the time we are forced to speak via email."

Lisa Ward, interim director of organisational development for NWAS, said: "The trust is extremely disappointed with this fourth day of action and is frustrated with the reluctance of GMB to discuss any movement from their current position.

"This is despite the positive discussions which have enabled us to reach an agreement on this matter with our other partner trade unions Unison and Unite, who represent the majority of our staff.

"We have now also received formal notification that this action will occur every weekend from 21 July until October.

"I am in no doubt that their actions will affect patients, although we will be doing all we can to minimise any impact on the public."