Health service staff from pharmacists to maintenance workers are protesting over what they call a "derisory three-year pay deal".The union said the deal would work out at a 2.5% increase per year.Protests will be held outside hospitals where staff will hold a work-to-rule protest. However, emergency cover will be maintained.

Unite's Senior Regional Industrial Organiser Albert Mills said their members were "furious" at the government deal."Unite members in Northern Ireland have voted for strike action."But they feel they need to put a warning shot across the bows of Health Minister's Michael McGimpsey department. We are willing to talk, but he seems unable or unwilling to do so," he said.

"This action will have no affect on patient care at the moment. Unite members intend to strike in January if Mr McGimpsey does not take up our offer of meaningful talks."The work-to-rule protest will include a ban on non-essential paperwork, email exchanges, attendance and meetings and telephone calls.