1200 Derriford Hospital workers win pay deal after strike action

Around 1,200 workers in Plymouth hospitals have been awarded a wage rise and back pay following strike action earlier this year. UNISON says healthcare support workers employed by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust had been performing clinical tasks above their salary grade for many years.

After several months of campaigning and five days of strike action in June and July, the Trust agreed to fresh talks. This resulted in what UNISON called an improved offer that moved staff on band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale up to band 3. The deal also guaranteed back pay for previous work done at the higher level.

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “It’s fantastic to see these dedicated workers finally recognised and compensated for the time that they were paid incorrectly. The staff should never have had to take strike action to secure a fair deal.

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"But it’s encouraging that the trust listened, agreed to the regrade staff and deliver the back pay they deserve. UNISON will now work with the trust to ensure everyone affected receives their payments promptly.”

Derriford healthcare assistant Lisa Andrew said: “This new deal is a huge relief. We wanted to be recognised and fairly paid for the complex tasks we do and the skills we bring to patient care. Now, we can focus on what matters most – caring for our patients.”

A spokesperson from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said: "We recognise and appreciate the huge contribution that all of our healthcare support workers make to our patients. Following a national review of the job profiles for some healthcare support worker roles, we worked with our staff and trades unions to clarify bandings for healthcare support workers.

“This has led to increases to the pay bands for a number of staff and we are working to ensure all staff eligible for the increase receive their amended payments in a timely manner.”