Health union Unison formally notified bosses yesterday that they will strike over pay on Monday November 24.

Members of public service union Unison in England will walk out for four hours between 7am and 11am.

Ambulance staff will provide a "life-and-limb-only" emergency service.

The union won "overwhelming" support from its members for strike action after the government refused to implement even the 1 per cent increase recommended by the indepedent pay review body (PRB).

"For the first time in the history of the independent pay review body, the government has chosen to ignore its recommendation of 1 per cent for all staff," Unison said.

"This has placed a growing pressure on industrial relations within the NHS and the perception among the workforce that the independence of the PRB has been compromised.

"No other independent pay review body was ignored, including the one that gave the MPs a pay rise of 11 per cent."