Council staff are set to stage a rally to defend their jobs and redundancy pay.

Unions are calling on Dacorum Borough Council to enter into talks to avoid further strike action.

It follows two successful days of strikes by UNISON and Unite, which affected the collection of household waste and recycling in the town.

Last month more than 40 refuse collectors in UNISON and Unite joined the picket line in front of Cupid Green Depot in Hemel Hempstead.

Last Saturday Unite refuse collectors took further action.

The strikes came after Dacorum Borough Council voted to cut compensation payments to staff who are made redundant.

The council has also announced nine compulsory redundancies within the team that look after the town’s adventure playgrounds.

A rally is being held next week to protest against staff cuts and changes to redundancy pay at Dacorum Borough Council.

The unions are meeting in the next few days to decide on the next steps.

Matt Nix, UNISON branch secretary, said: “We are calling on the Council to enter into talks before any further action has to be taken. No-one wants to take strike action but we will continue if that’s what it takes to get councillors to back down.”

Chris Smith, UNISON steward, added: “The strike days by the two unions have been successful. The solidarity shown has strengthened our resolve. We should not be taken for granted and taken advantage of.”

The rally will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at 6.45pm at the Civic Centre, Hemel Hempstead.