Healthcare support workers at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are celebrating a major victory after securing back pay of up to £2,000 and a permanent wage rise, says UNISON.
The deal approved by 70% of affected staff follows years of carrying out clinical duties far beyond their job descriptions without appropriate pay or proper recognition.
Healthcare support workers on band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale should be limited to personal care duties, such as feeding and washing patients. But in Nottingham, many were routinely taking blood samples, fitting cannulas and carrying out electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, work that should be paid at band 3.
As part of the new agreement, all healthcare support workers have been regraded to band 3, ensuring a permanent wage boost. The lump-sum back pay will see staff receive up to £2,000 each, says UNISON.
Staff had taken 28 days of strike action in support of their claim to be paid properly for their increased responsibilities.
UNISON has been conducting a national Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign* to win similar deals for healthcare support workers across the country.
UNISON East Midlands regional head of health Gareth Eales said: “This is a huge win for healthcare support workers who stood together and refused to accept being underpaid for years.
“It’s a shame it took thirty days of strike action and the threat of strike action for the entire month of August to achieve this breakthrough, but the result speaks for itself. These dedicated staff can now be confident they’re on the right grade, with the proper pay and respect they deserve. UNISON looks forward to having a more positive relationship with the Trust.”
Notes to editors:
– More than 900 healthcare support staff across Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospitals were involved in the industrial action.
– *So far UNISON has won £200m for healthcare assistants and other support workers through its Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign. More information on the campaign is available here.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
