End zero hours abuse

Cleaners, porters and workers serving food at Barts Health NHS Trust will stage a protest tomorrow (September 21) at the Trust’s annual public meeting to demand an end to the abuse of zero hours contracts and for a guaranteed London living wage.

One of the largest contracts, worth up to ÂŁ55m, for services including cleaning, porters, catering, security and laundry is due to be awarded to a single private service provider on September 30.

Unite is calling on Barts to ensure that the new contractor pays all staff at least the London living wage and transfers a significant number of workers on zero hours onto directly employed contracts. The services are provided by Carillion and ISS. Medirest and Elior provide canteen services. All the services will transfer to a single provider.

There are many workers who have been at the Trust for over six years, yet are still are on zero hour contracts and paid just above the minimum wage. Currently there are around 1000 workers in total working across five hospitals on different contracts and different rates of pay. Many agency workers are paid just ÂŁ7.50 an hour, almost ÂŁ2.00 less that directly employed staff doing exactly the same work.

Unite is demanding that the new service provider ensures there is a permanent contract for every permanent job and ends zero-hours contracts. The union is also calling for guarantees that no one working in the Trust on any contract is paid less than the London living wage, and that the Trust does not impose changes to terms and conditions and respects the letter and spirit of the employment legislation.

A recent survey by ComRes for Unite found that more than six in ten UK people (64 per cent) want zero hours contracts banned.

Unite regional officer Gloria Sindall said that it is time for Barts to end zero hours contracts and ensure all workers get at least the London living wage.

“It’s unacceptable that there are workers who have been at the Trust for over six years, yet are still on zero hour contracts and aren’t getting a London living wage,” Sindall said. “St Barts has the power to demand that the new provider treats all its workers fairly and with dignity.

“UK bonuses have soared to £44bn but many hard-working staff responsible for keeping London’s hospitals safe and clean can’t get a living wage and guaranteed hours. Unite members are protesting outside St Barts annual public meeting to demand an end to this abuse.”

Carillion reported a 13 per cent rise in revenues for the year to 31 December 2015. In its annual report, the company reported revenue of £4.587bn, up from £4.072bn in 2014. Carillion’s underlying operating profit rose 8 per cent to £234.4m.

Tomorrow’s (September 21) protest will be held at 5:30pm at The Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 4BQ.