We're not seeking to be confrontational about this, that's the last thing we want

Geoff Martin, TUC

Geoff Martin, of Battersea and Wandsworth TUC, who was leading the protest, stressed that the demonstration was not designed to be confrontational.

He explained that as prices continue to rise, the workers, who also included social care staff, paramedics and teachers, would need an annual salary of �100,000 to afford available housing.

'Pressure on'

Mr Martin said: "It remains a fact that workers are being priced out of London and the problem is getting worse by the day.

"The action taken by the government so far has only scratched the surface."

He added: I think the protest went very well.

"We have around 25 people here and I think we got the message across," he told BBC News Online.

"We are going to keep the pressure on. We are not going to let this one drop.

'Key workers'

"We're not seeking to to be confrontational about this, that's the last thing we want."

Both the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have reported increases in the number of members raising housing issue problems.

Linda Smith, treasurer for London regional FBU, said officers began to notice the increase more than a year ago, especially since its members' average salary is �21,000.

Ms Smith said: "The government has recently announced a plan to establish defined key workers, that was the subject of a green paper.

"Our members have since been calling us to find out whether firefighters would come under the definition, and qualify for increased salaries."

She said that, despite the fact firefighters play a "key role" in London, they would not automatically come under any legislation.

'Complete breakdown'

"Unlike professions such as the police and nursing, we don't have a recruitment problem for firefighters. We get hundreds of applications for jobs that are advertised," said Ms Smith.

"It seems that this plan has only been developed as a means of increasing recruitment into professions."

A spokeswoman for the RCN confirmed that lack of affordable housing for its members was becoming a "huge issue".

Mr Martin added steps to address the problem need to be taken now to avoid major difficulties in the future.

"Our services risk complete breakdown as more and more staff, who are the lifeblood of London, are being driven out of the city.

"We need concrete action before it's too late."