���˿���

Workers at three hospitals in the south east of England have begun a third period of industrial action.

More than 350 nursing assistants at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust are taking part in strikes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, in a dispute over back pay, after the trust offered to change their salary band.

Unison union members at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Crawley Hospital and Horsham Hospital said they had been working beyond their pay grade for years.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said it respected the "right to strike" but was "disappointed" its offer had not been accepted and action was taking place "whilst the grievance process is ongoing".

Strike action was previously taken by staff in two separate periods in July.

Unison said 98% of nursing assistants backed strike action in a formal ballot but "there may be a resolution to the dispute soon".

It said a meeting with trust managers was held last week and the dispute might be resolved with "further talks".

However, it said that despite progress in negotiations, a "satisfactory" offer on back pay had not been received.

Unison South East regional organiser Rachel Slaughter said: “Last week saw a step in the right direction.

"For the first time in this dispute, hospital managers are showing a willingness to find a resolution."

She said nursing assistants could be "proud of what they’ve achieved" so far.

She added: "There’s been a genuine acknowledgement from their bosses that they’ve been carrying out duties above their grade for years and that the issue needs to be sorted as soon as possible.

“Now that just needs to be that reflected with an offer on back pay.

"Nobody wants to see a prolonged industrial dispute.”

Follow ���˿��� Surrey on , and on . Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.