Workers employed by Serco in Great Western Hospital will strike for two days over a £1.6k payment they say they are owed.

Serco employees including caterers, housekeepers, security guards and porters will begin their second 48-hour walkout at 7am on Monday, November 11.

The wage deal agreed for NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts in June 2023 included two lump-sum payments for the previous financial year (2022/23). 

However, the UNISON union says Serco has refused to pass on the one-off bonuses – worth at least £1,655 – to its Great Western staff leaving them out of pocket when compared with counterparts employed directly by the NHS.(Image: Dave Cox)

But Serco says that their funding application to the government for the money was rejected.

Similar strike action in North Devon and Wiltshire previously succeeded in securing the lump-sum payment for employees of other contractors.

READ MORE: Swindon's Bus Company issues urgent safety warning to passengers

UNISON South West regional organiser Tom Kennedy-Hughes 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.

“Serco posted profits of more than £249m in 2023, so 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 secure the fair pay they’re entitled to.(Image: Newsquest)

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

Serco workers previously took 48 hours of strike action from 7am on September 16 to 7am on September 18.

A Serco spokesperson said at that time: “We are disappointed that UNISON members have voted for strike action at Great Western Hospital.  

“Serco has a great relationship with our colleagues and UNISON at the hospital and we are as disappointed as they are that our NHS funding application for the non-consolidated agenda for change bonus has not been successful. 

READ MORE: Sixth form throwing open its doors for parents and pupils

“We will continue to work with Unison to find a mutually acceptable outcome to this issue.” 

Earlier this year, healthcare workers working in community hospitals for Wiltshire Health and Care and Sodexo in North Devon were awarded the £1,655 lump sum after several days of strike action.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary, and private sectors.

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