Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) bosses are urging the general public to use the emergency service wisely during industrial action today.

Hundreds of Unite union members are due to walk out for five hours from 3pm this afternoon and again on Monday.

Unite, which has already held two strikes this month, is in dispute with YAS over changes to workers' rotas which it says could lead to ten hour shifts without a meal break.

The union was "de-recognised" by YAS in February 2013 amid a bitter row about £46m cost cutting plans.

Members of Unison, the larger union at YAS are not on strike today but members may refuse to cross Unite picket lines.

YAS says it has taken steps to protect its services throughout the periods of planned strike action by members of Unite which represents around 7% of Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff.

Ambulance chiefs have accused the union of striking without any concessions from Unite for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

David Whiting, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “Our plans to maintain high standards of patient care and minimise any impact from previous episodes of strike action were effective and we have taken steps to ensure our service remains just as resilient this time.         

“We would like to reassure members of the public that our contingency plans continue to focus on providing a safe, responsive and high-quality emergency service which remains the Trust’s top priority.                       

“We would appreciate the co-operation of the general public and would, once again, like to remind people to use our services wisely.  Please only call 999 for an ambulance when someone has a life-threatening or serious illness or injury.  Anyone requiring advice or treatment for a non-emergency situation or minor ailment should consider options such as self-care, a visit to a local pharmacist, contacting the NHS 111 urgent care service or their GP, visiting a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.”

To find your nearest non-emergency service, visit  http://www.nhs.uk/service-search  or call 111.