Nottinghamshire hospital staff strike for 24 hours over Covid bonus snub and 'less favourable' terms

More than 200 hospital workers began strike action on Friday (May 17) over 'less favourable terms and conditions' than their colleagues. Support staff across Sherwood Forest Hospital NHS Trust began a 24 hour-long walk out at 6am and picketed outside of King's Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield holding placards. Staff at Mansfield Community and Newark Hospital also took part.

Workers employed by Medirest, a major private contractor, chose to strike as they felt their terms and conditions are worse than directly employed NHS staff, union GMB said. Medirest provides facilities and services staff, like cleaners and security guards, and union officials warned the action would cause significant disruption at the trust's hospitals.

A coronavirus bonus payment received by NHS employees was the breaking point for staff employed by Medirest, GMB said, as some did not get any bonus for their work through the pandemic. Cameron Mitchell, GMB organiser, said workers demand “the dignity and recognition they deserve”, adding that “it’s a disgrace that Medirest bosses have pushed them to this”.

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

Previously Medirest explained some of its employees were not eligible due to the criteria set by the Department of Health and Social Care. "While we are pleased that some of our employees have been identified as eligible and are due to receive the bonus payment imminently, we recognise it is disappointing for those who do not meet the Government’s eligibility criteria," a spokesperson said.

"All our employees received a separate pay uplift last year and have access to a range of employee benefits. We continue to maintain a regular dialogue with our people, the unions, and NHS trusts. We are disappointed with GMB’s decision to proceed with industrial action. If it goes ahead, in partnership with the Trust, we have put in place contingency measures to limit any disruption to services for patients.”