UNITE announced a London bus strike today, accusing operator RATP of using the pandemic to force through “pitiful” pay offers.

Nearly 2,000 bus drivers employed by the French-owned company, which operates subsidiaries London United, London Sovereign and Quality Line, are set to withdraw their labour.

Drivers at London United, which provides services in south and west London, will walk out between February 22 and 24 against the introduction of zero-hours contracts.