‘Pay justice’

Low paid NHS workers employed by Serco at Barts NHS Trust staged a protest at the Trust’s board meeting today (May 9) to demand that Barts and Serco fund a pay rise which mirrors the pay deal being offered to NHS employees.

Thousands of low paid workers in the NHS are being offered a pay rise of over ÂŁ2000 a year in cash terms in the first year of a three year deal. Workers employed by Serco at Barts Health NHS Trust are demanding the same pay increase.

If agreed NHS workers in London will get at least ÂŁ10.83 an hour next year. Serco workers on ÂŁ10.20 an hour are demanding the same.

It’s an injustice that cleaners, porters,  security guards and patient caterers employed by Serco, who keep these London hospitals safe and clean, are getting less than other NHS workers at the same hospitals.

“Over a thousand low paid workers vital to maintaining a clean and safe health service are demanding fair pay and dignity at work. It’s an injustice health workers employed by Serco, who keep these London hospitals safe and clean, are being offered less than other NHS workers at the same hospitals,” said Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon.

“It’s time to end poverty pay for NHS workers employed by private contractors. Serco workers should get the same increase as their colleagues to help pay for the high cost of housing and transport in London. Workers employed by Serco at Barts are demanding pay justice.”

1600 Serco workers at St Barts, Royal London, Whipps Cross, Mile End and Newham are demanding the same pay deal as NHS Workers.