AMBULANCE workers have voted to walk out during the Grand Depart weekend.

Unite, which has almost 400 members working at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, voted by 84 per cent to strike between 6amand 11.59pm on Saturday and on Sunday, from 6pm until 10pm.

Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe said: “Once again, our members have spoken with a clear voice that concern for patient and staff safety remains absolutely paramount.

“This is a very strong mandate and we urge the trust’s chief executive David Whiting, who recently imposed new draconian conditions without any agreement with the unions, to sit down for urgent and constructive talks."

The dispute centres on longer shifts, meal break systems and emergency care assistants, who have six weeks training, taking on more responsibilities.

Trust chief executive David Whiting said: "We are disappointed with the Unite the Union ballot result and the continued threat of industrial action. There is no mandate for strike action with less than 50 per cent turnout from Unite members; only 177 people participated in the vote from our total workforce of over 4,600."

He added: “By choosing to take industrial action over the weekend of the Tour de France when Yorkshire will be proud to be showcasing its people, places and warm welcome to a world-wide audience, it reflects the total disregard Unite has for the welfare of patients."