Museum workers in a 24 hour strike say they want "more respect" in a dispute over pay - walking out across six different sites.

Prospect union members in the Science Museum Group (SMG) took action in protest at an imposed wage rise of 1.5% for most staff.

Staff involved in the walkout work at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, the Science Museum in London, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, the National Railway Museum in York, Blythe House in London and the National Collections Centre in Wroughton, Wiltshire.

The union said it was not the intention of members to close the museums as a result of the action, rather to highlight their concerns.

Amy Harbour, who has worked for the media museum since April said: "The Science Museum Group don't pay the living wage then for the last four years the pay increase has been below inflation. That's a 13 per cent decrease.

"The director of the group has had a five per cent increase and also gets a bonus - which is more than a lot of people's wages.

"For individuals it feels as though there's a lack of care for the staff.

"It seems really unfair.

"Everyone loves their job, we've just come out today because we need to talk about inequality in the group."

Another campaigner on the picket line, Elaine Richmond, says she feels "it's quite sad really to get to this point".

The striking worker called for a look at the "crucial issues", explaining how a lot of people work extra hours and go above and beyond what their job description states,

She told the Telegraph & Argus: "Our immediate line managers do appreciate what we do.

"They've got the books to balance and a business to run but I think staff pay, staff progression, are really crucial issues."

A spokesman for The Science and Media Museum said its new settlement agreed with the lowest paid employees was "a reasonable offer".

The spokesperson said: "Our pay offer included a 6.9% increase for the lowest paid employees as part of a settlement that saw all employees receive an increase of at least 1.5%.

"Overall the settlement represents a 2.7% increase in salary costs, which we believe was a reasonable offer, given the challenging overall financial picture.

"The museum is open as usual and all of our galleries and activities are available for our visitors to enjoy."

The SMG estimated 15% of its total workforce would strike, involving "several hundred" staff from all areas of the organisation - including curators, conservators and those working in collections and exhibitions, library and archive, visitor experience, research, estates and education.

A museum spokesperson said: "We firmly expect all our museums to open on the day of the strike and our priority will be to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable day."