Great Western Hospital says it expects no disruption with staff set to strike for 48 hours over a pay dispute.

On Thursday, September 12, UNISON confirmed Serco workers at the hospital, including caterers, housekeepers, security guards, and porters, will down tools.

The walkout is scheduled to start at 7am on Monday, September 16, and will continue until 7am on Wednesday, September 18.

Workers are demanding the one-off payments that have been awarded to their NHS colleagues.

In June last year, NHS staff were handed two lump sum payments in a wage deal agreed for those on Agenda for Change contracts.

The union says these bonuses are worth at least £1,655 but have not been handed to Serco workers at the site.

READ MORE: Great Western Hospital could be hit by strikes in pay row

They warned further strikes may follow if an agreement is not reached.

UNISON’s regional manager Jayne Jackson said: “Serco's refusal to honour the NHS pay deal is deeply unjust and has left hard-working hospital staff struggling to make ends meet.

“There’s no justification for denying its employees the same financial recognition as NHS workers.

“Staff have been left with no choice but to strike to demand the fair pay they’re entitled to.

“It's not too late for Serco to avoid disruption. The company simply needs to treat its employees fairly.”

A spokesperson for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “A total of 59 Serco company staff working in housekeeping and portering at the Great Western Hospital have voted in favour of industrial action.

“While the pay dispute is between Serco and UNISON, the trust is working closely with Serco to ensure the impact of the strike action on service and care delivery remains minimal.

“We do not anticipate any disruption to patient care, and all patients should attend their appointments as normal.”