Council rubbish collections were halted with immediate effect today – Monday - following a shock strike by binmen working for contractors Serco.

Virtually all collections that were due to take place today have been cancelled and – at this stage – it is not clear when they will resume.

The GMB Union has indicated that the strike could potentially last three weeks.

The Council said the cancellation of collections today relates to general waste/black sacks; blue and black box recycling; food waste recycling; garden waste recycling; booked bulky waste; and commercial waste.

Richmond Council said: "Richmond upon Thames' waste and recycling collections are provided by Serco.

"Serco and the GMB Union have been in pay negotiations, but this morning - Monday - waste and recycling collection crews unexpectedly decided to start strike action.

"The duration of this intended strike action has not yet been confirmed. Negotiations between Serco and GMB will continue today.

"Until we have been advised of the duration of the strike, we cannot confirm when collections will be recovered."

While the strike is underway and until further details are confirmed, the following services have also been suspended:

bulky waste bookings; container orders; sack orders; container deliveries; garden waste bin deliveries.

The GMB union said: "Kerbside collections across the borough will be suspended for three weeks from this morning

"The union members, who are employed by the council's waste contractor Serco, are taking action over pay after being offered a rise which falls well below their expectations as well as being significantly below inflation.

"The strike will last for an initial three weeks, after a whopping 98% of members voted to take action in the ballot, and an improved offer was turned down by the majority of members this morning.

Paul Grafton, GMB Regional Officer said: "Our members aren't asking for the moon, just a pay rise that reflects how hard they work every day, come rain or shine.

"This is physically demanding work that nobody notices until it doesn't get done.

"The members don't want to take strike action, but this their last resort if they want to secure an hourly wage which will ensure they're not worse off than they were last year."

Serco Contract Manager, Harry Oakley, said: "We are deeply disappointed that our enhanced pay offer was rejected this morning, against the recommendations of the GMB, and todays strike action is taking place.

"We remain committed to working in partnership with the GMB and have further meetings scheduled for today.

"In line with our national Recognition Agreement framework and dispute procedure, (we) will engage with ACAS conciliation if necessary.

"We would like to offer our apologies to residents for any disruption resulting from this action."