WORKERS at prisons that house inmates from Bolton are to support a national strike to protest against pay.

Staff from Hindley Remand Centre in Wigan and Preston Prison are join the picket line on Friday, although prison officers are not involved in the action.

Those involved in the walkout include electricians, plumbers, cooks, dog handlers and gardeners who are employed in public sector prisons.

Members of the union Amicus claim that a pay offer from the employers represents a pay cut and have voted overwhelmingly for 24-hour industrial action.

The union says that a one per cent pay increase was imposed on them despite an overwhelming decision of 99 per cent to reject it in a consultative ballot.

It says that the pay offer compares unfavourably with other prison service workers deals, including prison officers who were offered a 2.8 per cent increase.

Amicus spokesman John Allott said: "This is the first time in 25 years that industrial staff in the prison service have been involved in a strike.

"But they have taken this action as a last resort to win the real terms pay increase they deserve."

Union bosses are calling for an urgent meeting with Home Office Minister for Prisons Paul Goggins in an attempt to get back to the negotiating table.

Staff at Forest Bank in Salford and Strangeways in Manchester are not involved in the walkout.