Senior Lincolnshire CC officials have expressed their disappointment after a number of health visitors started a month-long strike yesterday. 

Interim director of education at the council, Heather Sandy, said: ‘The council's career progression scheme, which opened in October, means no staff member has to remain on a static salary – all can move on in their careers and be financially rewarded beyond that available in the NHS.

‘Unite's suggestion that all health visitors should have a starting salary £3,500 above their colleagues in the health service is financially unsustainable and would have serious implications for bordering NHS service recruitment.'

But Unite regional officer, Steve Syson, said: ‘We fundamentally disagree with the council that this lower paid role is appropriate.'