Somerset NHS Trust urged to halt outsourcing completely after new campaign
UNISON calls for direct NHS employment to be restored
Last updated 11th Sep 2026
After a UNISON campaign successfully paused plans from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to outsource hundreds of healthcare staff to a subsidiary company, the union is today urging the trust to scrap the proposal entirely.
It says this will allow workers at Musgrove Park Hospital and various community hospitals to remain directly employed by the NHS.
Plans would see non-clinical roles such as portering, housekeeping, maintenance, and facilities management transferred to Simply Serve Ltd, a subsidiary wholly owned by the trust.
More than 700 staff took part in a UNISON survey, with 98% calling for these services to continue being delivered by NHS-employed staff.
According to UNISON, despite the pause in outsourcing plans, staff and union representatives will protest outside the trust board meeting scheduled for 8.30am, aiming to convince board members to abandon the proposals altogether.
UNISON also advocates for workers at Yeovil District Hospital, already employed through Simply Serve, to return to direct NHS employment.
UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts emphasised workers’ desire to remain NHS employees, urging the trust to deliver promised government insourcing.
‘Workers have sent an overwhelming message to the trust. They want to remain NHS employees and for the NHS to deliver these vital services,’ Roberts said. ‘The pause shows what can be achieved when staff speak with one voice, but a pause isn't a decision.’
This local campaign is part of UNISON and the RMT union's national initiative, Insource Now!, which calls for the reintegration of public services.
A spokesperson for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We have paused work to consider whether some of our non-clinical services could be brought together under Simply Serve Limited (SSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of our trust, while we await further guidance from NHS England.
“No decisions have been made, and any future proposals would be subject to appropriate engagement with colleagues and trade unions. Our focus remains on ensuring high-quality support services across Somerset, while protecting colleagues' terms and conditions and delivering best value for taxpayers and patients.”