Healthcare Assistants Vote To Strike In Row Over Pay

Hundreds of healthcare assistants at Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital have voted to strike in a row over pay.

Over 90% of Unison members balloted at both trusts said they would walk out.

Elsewhere, striking healthcare assistants at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have agreed to pause their industrial action to give all three hospital trusts, which are led by the same chief executive, the opportunity to meet union officials in a bid to find a resolution to the dispute.

If one is not found there could be a simultaneous strike next month.

Kettering General Hospital

Unison says according to NHS guidance, healthcare assistants on salary band 2 of the Agenda for Change pay scale should only be providing personal care, such as bathing and feeding patients.

However, most of the healthcare assistants have routinely undertaken clinical tasks, such as taking blood, performing electrocardiogram tests and inserting cannulas.

UNISON East Midlands regional secretary Chris Jenkinson said: “It’s time for the chief executive to realise these NHS workers are in no mood to back down. He needs to make them a reasonable offer that address years of pay inequality.

“However, if he continues to ignore healthcare workers, we will significantly escalate our strike action with staff across Kettering, Leicester and Northampton walking out at the same time next month.”

Northampton General Hospital did not wish to comment.

Kettering General Hospital has been approached for comment.