Ambulance workers are to step up their industrial action in support of better pay and working conditions.

They will stop working next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and on August 31 for four hours each day.

During those hours they will only respond to emergency calls. Planned transportation of patients will not take place, the NRC reports.

Ambulance workers have been offered a raise of 3% spread over two years, but the unions are demanding a 2.5% pay rise over one year.

They are also asking for steps to be taken to relieve the work pressure on the workers and to tackle the agression they face during call outs.

In addition, they want extra payments for evening and weekend shifts.