Ambulance staff in Dorset have been told to ignore emergencies during meal breaks under new rules.

Workers have been told they must take two compulsory 30-minute breaks during a 12-hour shift and cannot respond to emergencies during this time.

Conservative councillor Nick King said he had received letters from ambulance staff worried injured people are having to wait longer for treatment.

South Western Ambulance Service said all areas are covered during breaks.

In a statement, the service said: “We introduced them in Dorset last Monday after consulting with staff over a period of months.

Read full article: BBC NEWS.