UNION members in the coastguard service in Hampshire were today starting a campaign of industrial action after claiming senior managers have gone back on an agreement to end a six-year pay dispute.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union based in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) headquarters in Southampton as well as a base at Lee-on-the-Solent will work to rule and withdraw goodwill.

The union says the move is designed to frustrate the employer but not put public safety at risk. No strikes are planned.

The pay row centres on claims that promises to improve pay and training for staff after coastguard bases are merged as part of a national reorganisation have yet to be fulfilled.