Southampton hospital strike off

Security staff at Southampton General Hospital, who have been attacked in the A&E department, have suspended a 48-hour strike due to start on Friday (May 3), while they vote on a new pay and sick pay offer.

Unite said today (April 30) that the 21 security staff will be balloted on a new offer covering pay and sick pay conditions.

This follows talks yesterday (April 29) with the employer Mitie Security Ltd. The ballot will close on Friday, May 17.

Unite lead officer for health in the south east Scott Kemp said, “We had talks with Mitie yesterday and enough progress was made for us to be able to put a new offer on pay and sick pay to our members.

“We won’t be revealing the details of the offer until our members have had the opportunity to consider and vote on the package.

“As a result, we have suspended the 48 hour stoppage due to have started on Friday and our members will be working normally.”

The plight of the 21 security staff, who have been attacked on a regular basis by members of the public either under the influence of drink or drugs, or with mental health problems, has attracted national media attention. There has been a lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as stab vests and safety restraints.

The security staff have already taken two days of strike action at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust on Good Friday and April 5.