Security guards at Heathrow Airport are to start striking this week after last-minute talks broke down.

The Unite Union, which represents the affected staff, announced the news in a statement.

It said that its analysis showed that "security officers at Stansted and Gatwick airports are paid between £5,000 - £6,000 more than Heathrow," 'forcing' them to take action.

Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Heathrow prides itself on being the UK’s premium airport – it is bigger and handles more flights and cargo than any other. So it is frankly indefensible that security officer pay is far lower than other London airports. Imagine, the so-called ‘best in Britain’ is actually a citadel for poverty pay. How can this be justified?"

News Shopper: (PA) 1,400 security staff will strike, causing disruption at Heathrow Airport(PA) 1,400 security staff will strike, causing disruption at Heathrow Airport (Image: PA)

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King added: “Unite has given Heathrow Airport every opportunity to make an improved pay offer, which could have led to the strike action being suspended. Sadly, they refused to grasp the opportunity to make an offer which could meet members’ expectations.”

When are the Heathrow Airport security guard strikes taking place?

Unite said that strike action will be taking place on May 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10 with action continuing on May 25, 26 and 27.

The action will see 1,400 security officers based in terminal 5 and in campus security strike.

Will the Heathrow Airport strikes affect my holiday?

The workers striking are responsible for searching all personnel and vehicles entering Heathrow Airport, meaning some disruption could be caused.

However, Heathrow has said the airport will remain open with the site telling passengers to check their flight status before arriving for the latest information.

On the strike dates, passengers will only be allowed to bring two items of hand baggage through security.

The airport is likely to busier than usual as well.