Worcestershire healthcare assistants secure wage rise
It's after campaigning for fair pay
Healthcare assistants at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have secured a permanent wage rise, after campaigning for fair pay.
That's according to UNISON, who say staff will get an annual increase of up to £2,000.
The union adds that the support workers will also get up to £4-thousand pounds in back pay.
They said: "Healthcare assistants at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have won a major victory in their long-running campaign for fair pay, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
"More than 1,000 of the support workers, who have spent years carrying out clinical duties far beyond their original job description, will now receive up to £4,000 in back pay.
"Every healthcare assistant at the trust will also be moved up from band 2 to band 3 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, securing a permanent annual wage increase of up to £2,000, the union says.
"The breakthrough deal follows six months of determined organising, campaigning and negotiation by hospital staff, who demanded recognition for their vital role in patient care, along with UNISON."
An 'incredible achievement'
UNISON West Midlands regional organiser Claire Breeze said: “This is an incredible achievement for healthcare assistants at Worcestershire Acute Trust. For too long, staff were expected to take on demanding clinical responsibilities without the recognition or reward they deserved.
“Now, thanks to their determination and solidarity, more than 1,000 healthcare assistants will receive the back pay they're owed and a permanent uplift to their wages.
"This win means a fairer deal for staff, and ultimately better care for patients. It shows the power of union members standing together and sends a clear message NHS staff must always be properly valued.”