Serco workers at Barts Health NHS Trust hold lunchtime protest over pay

Low paid NHS workers employed by an outsourcing giant at the NHS trust which runs Royal London Hospital today held a series of lunchtime protests over pay.

Serco workers at Barts Health NHS Trust are calling for a pay rise mirroring a deal offered to NHS employees.

Security guards, cleaners, porters and caterers will lose out on the proposed £2,000 a year salary bump in the first year of a three-year deal, say members of trade union Unite.

They claim the private contractor “refused to engage with workers” concerning the demands.

Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon called it a “glaring injustice” the 1,600 Serco workers in hospitals including St Barts. Royal London, Mile End and Newham would see their pay remain at £10.20 an hour, compared to the £10.83 minimum offered to NHS workers.

A spokeswoman for Barts Heath and a Serco spokesman said they recognise the contribution workers made to the Trust and that dialogue between the parties is ongoing.