British Library hit by pay strike

Almost 1,000 staff at the British Library are to "strike and get a suntan" on Monday.

The strike is likely to close the St Pancras library's reading room as well as facilities at Colindale and the BL's Yorkshire facility in Boston Spa.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, who earn as little as £10,000, voted to strike after rejecting a 4 per cent pay rise. They have demanded a 6.5 per cent rise.

However, the BL will not completely shut up shop on Monday: with a staff roster of 2,500, it will be able to offer a limited service during the industrial action.

PCS National Officer Terry Adams said today: "Our members safeguard and provide reader access to the nation's priceless treasures, including newspapers, maps and first editions books."