HUNDREDS of Southampton City Council workers have marched through the city centre today in protest at planned pay cuts.

It comes as refuse collectors, street cleaners and traffic wardens continue strike action that is crippling services across the city.

The Unite and Unison unions said the demonstration would be the biggest in the south for years, and claim that as many as 1,000 workers took part.

They were joined by striking hospital cleaners.

The council estimates around 650 people attended the rally.

More than 100 refuse collectors are currently on a two-week long strike, which will end on June 22, street cleaners will start a seven-day walkout today, traffic wardens are refusing to collect parking fines, which the unions said is costing the city an estimated £100,000.

Meanwhile, 150 social workers are on a work to rule and workers on Itchen Bridge will not be collecting tolls today.

The city council has issued dismissal notices to 4,300 employees instructing them to accept new, inferior contracts or be sacked on July 11. They mean pay cuts for staff of up to 5.5 per cent.

Andy Straker of Unison said: "It really is appalling that in this day and age, a local authority can seek to intimidate a workforce out of their terms and conditions.

"A significant part of that workforce will now have to rely on the state to top up their earnings because Southampton council will not work with us on a negotiated solution.

"This is what a Tory-leadership means - those who can least afford to, suffer most."

Councillor Jeremy Moulton, deputy leader of Conservative-controlled Southampton City Council, said: "We want to resolve the current situation as quickly as possible but that still needs a £65m solution over the next four years.

"A date has now been set for a meeting with the unions and ACAS. The council wants to see a positive outcome and it is vital that all involved bring a constructive approach to the table and demonstrate a willingness to compromise.

"It is important to recognise that any compromise has to be set against the unfortunate reality that we have no choice but to make massive savings.

"In the meantime, I call on unions to end all industrial action immediately. Any union action that hits council income and incurs additional cost is only making this already very difficult situation worse. Less money means more pressure on jobs and services.

"By continuing this action unions are directly affecting the very people and services they should be trying to protect.

"We are addressing the budget deficit and one of the ways we are doing this is by changing the terms and conditions of staff by reducing the pay of those who earn the most by the most. Those on less than £17,500 will receive a small increase in pay.

"These measures will safeguard 400 more jobs from being lost at the council and will protect the services those jobs provide for our residents."

Union members gathered in Hoglands Park at 12.30pm before marching through the city centre to the Civic Centre for a rally addressed by Unison assistant general secretary Roger McKenzie.