Striking firefighters were this week joined by Unison members who staged a one-day walkout over salary allowances in the capital. The public sector union, which has 60,000 members in London, wants employees' London weighting to be increased to at least £4000.
The strike on Tuesday affected 33 London boroughs. Strike figures were not available as Housing Today went to press. London housing departments said they were experiencing staff absences, and some front-line services were said to be operating on a skeleton basis.

Currently, the London weighting rate differs depending on whether workers are judged to live in either inner or outer London: the former get £2700, the latter £1400.

The strike is the latest instalment in a year-long dispute. Unison members have launched five one-day strikes, and are promising further action if employers fail to make an offer soon.