CARE UK strikers ramped up their campaign yesterday as they prepared for a week on the road to raise the profile of their dispute in Yorkshire.

Striker David Honeybone told the Morning Star how the epic struggle had even finished off his marriage. 

But he insisted the workers’ spirits were high and they were “still as solid as ever — still defiant.”

Forty-eight-year-old Mr Honeybone is one of around 150 staff taking three weeks strike action over wage cuts. 

When Care UK slashed the former NHS staff’s wages he lost £500 a month and his income fell from £1,800 a month to £1,300.

The blow was temporarily cushioned by payment of a “settlement” sum by Care UK but that is running out.

“My wage isn’t enough to cover my acquired lifestyle,” he said. “The dispute has also been the final nail in my marriage.”

And Mr Honeybone bravely gave an insight into the personal problems their heartless bosses have caused him and other workers.

“My wife didn’t believe in the strike,” he said. “Of course there were other factors, but this was the final nail.”

The Star has also revealed how care workers have been left homeless, while others are struggling to keep on top of their mortgages and rent. 

Next week the strikers start a series of events to raise the profile of the dispute.

Mr Honeybone said: “We’ll be on the road. We’ll be in Barnsley on Monday, Nottingham on Tuesday, London on Wednesday, then have a recovery day on Thursday.”

Unison has launched a nationwide appeal for the strikers. Send cheques made out to Doncaster Unison 20511 to Unison, Jenkinson House, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5GJ.