Hospital workers in Swindon are staging their second strike over a pay dispute.

Great Western Hospital staff employed by Serco, including caterers, porters, cleaners and security, began the 48-hour industrial action on Monday at 07:00 and are set to end the strike on Wednesday morning.

In 2023, a wage deal was agreed for staff on NHS contracts meaning they would be paid a one-off payment of at least £1,655, and workers across the UK received the payment, except Serco workers in Swindon.

Serco employs staff on Agenda for Change contracts, which aim to standardise pay, terms and conditions across the NHS.

UNISION Area Manager Matthew Dymond said: “Like most people in Swindon these are people trying to get by when prices are going up and they have missed out on money. This is money they would be spending on their families coming up to Christmas.

Flash Sale!🌟

Get closer to Swindon's stories with The Swindon Advertiser

Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80% fewer ads.

Subscribe now for a seamless news experience - https://t.co/ayrpkI4RBy#StayInformed pic.twitter.com/0RPJk3hDqF

“The fairness aspect has really upset them. Many of these people worked during Covid and they were going to work in a very dangerous environment for the NHS to look after the health of people from Swindon and Wiltshire. These are people who keep the hospital clean, feed patients and keep the hospital safe.

“We work in every hospital in the UK and everywhere else this money has been paid. Serco has said they can’t pay the money because they asked the government for the money and they haven’t been given it.

Read More: Serco strikes underway at Great Western Hospital

“The government paid NHS staff and for services that have been privatised they expect them to apply for it. Serco applied for it but the government didn’t pay it.

“Serco made £250 million profit last year, so from the Union’s point of view, they need to pay that money. It feels a little bit like Serco are waiting for the government to pay them that money.

“Both of the local MPs have met with Serco workers and supported the union members in Swindon.”

Serco workers at Great Western Hospital staged a 48-hour walkout on Monday, September 16 over pay disputes and further strike action is expected if these payments are not made.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app