Nursing support workers who went on 28 days’ worth of strikes have celebrated a permanent pay rise and a back pay deal, their union has announced.
Unison announced this week that band 2 healthcare assistants (HCAs) at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust have called off further strike action, following a pay agreement.
“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”
Gareth Eales
The majority (70%) of staff voted to approve the deal worth around £2,500 in back pay, as well as the consolidated pay increase.
This pay dispute centred around band 2 staff carrying out duties beyond their pay grade.
They should only be carrying out personal care tasks, but were “routinely” taking blood samples, inserting cannulas and carrying out electrocardiogram tests.
As a result, the staff – according to NHS pay regulations – should have been on band 3. Instead, they remained on band 2 with no monetary compensation, something Unison has campaigned on at a local level across the country in recent years.
The dispute escalated into strike action earlier this year, with staff walking out to air their frustration at a lack of recognition from the trust.
Now, with the offer agreed on and pay increase set to be put in place, further walkouts will not go ahead.
Gareth Eales, Unison East Midlands regional head of health, described it as a “huge win for healthcare support workers”.
He added: “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.”
