Hospital Healthcare Workers Begin 48-Hour Strike

Hundreds of healthcare support workers at Kettering General, Northampton General and Leicester’s Hospitals have begun a 48-hour strike in an on-going dispute over pay.

The coordinated action has been taken by up to 1,500 UNISON members, who say they are routinely carrying out clinical duties outside of their remit.

They want that recognised in their salary and to secure back-pay.

The union’s regional secretary Chris Jenkinson said: “The skills and dedication of these staff have been taken for granted for too long.

“The trusts simply shouldn’t be using them as cheap labour and instead recognise and reward them for the work they do.

“Up and down the country, support staff are being rebanded to better reflect the reality of their daily jobs, challenges and the positive impact they have on patients.”

Staff during a strike last month

The action is the latest in UNISON’s campaign for Pay Fair for Patient Care.

Healthcare support staff at the three Leicester hospitals (the Royal Infirmary, the General and Glenfield) have so far taken action on eight occasions.

It is the  third time their colleagues in Northamptonn and Kettering have walked out.

University Hospitals Leicester’s Chief Nurse, Julie Hogg, said: “We value the contribution of Health Care Support Workers at UHL and recognise the difference they make to patient care.

“This is why we initiated a proactive review of job descriptions in 2023 to ensure colleagues are being paid correctly for the work they do. As of March this year, everyone identified as working at a Band 3 has been moved to that band.

“We have robust plans in place to manage disruption to patient services during the action and continue to engage openly with unions to reach a fair and equitable resolution as soon as possible.”

Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital have been approached for comment.