Strike action has commenced at Great Western Hospital with staff walking out for 48 hours over a pay dispute.

On Thursday, September 12, UNISON confirmed Serco workers at the Swindon hospital, which includes caterers, housekeepers, security guards and porters, would strike this week.

The walkout began at 7am on Monday, September 16 and will continue until 7am on Wednesday, September 18.

But Great Western Hospital has said there will be no disruption caused by the industrial action, while workers demand one-off payments of at least £1,655 which they say have not been handed to Serco workers at the site. 

In 2023, the government agreed to fund one-off payments to healthcare staff at non-NHS organisations of £1,655 for the previous financial year.

These were for organisations with contracts to deliver NHS services, who employ their staff on Agenda for Change contracts, which aims to standardise pay, terms and conditions across the NHS.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said at the time: “While these staff are contractually eligible for the payments, the independent organisations are responsible for making them.”

UNISON says Serco is refusing to honour this payment for its workers in Swindon, despite similar workers at different companies have been given the payment following strikes.

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.”