Hospital Workers Secure Victory After Years of Pay Inequality
More than 330 cleaners, porters and catering staff at St Helier and Epsom hospitals have achieved a significant pay victory following their threat to strike over what they described as unfair contracts that left them earning less than colleagues performing similar roles.
The workers, represented by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, will receive a pay increase of £40 per week starting from April 2026, along with enhanced annual leave, improved sickness pay, and better unsocial hours enhancements by 2028.
From 'Mickey Mouse Contracts' to NHS Standards
The breakthrough comes after years of campaigning by staff who claimed they were being "shafted" on inferior contracts compared to other NHS employees. The agreement will bring them onto the standard NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) pay and conditions framework, ending what union officials called "Mickey Mouse contracts."
Petros Elia, General Secretary of UVW, emphasised that the outcome resulted from worker solidarity. "This deal was not handed to these workers, it was extracted through their unity, courage, and the threat of strike action," he stated.
Elia added that staff had endured years of being "ignored, underpaid and treated worse than second class," describing the facilities teams as "true NHS heroes" whose victory demonstrates "the power of workers standing together."
Life-Changing Impact for Frontline Staff
A cleaner from St Helier Hospital expressed her relief at the new agreement, highlighting how it would bring fairness to staff who regularly work weekends and unsocial hours. "I'm very happy about the new contract, now we have a pay rise, NHS holidays, NHS pensions," she said.
The worker added that improved pay for weekend work would make a meaningful difference to her family life, stating: "Having more money in our pockets will have a big impact on our family life."
The pay disparity issues first emerged in June 2021 when staff transferred from private contractor Mitie to the South London and Surrey-based NHS Trust. Workers soon discovered that the "protected AfC" terms they were offered didn't match the benefits outlined in their handbooks.
Political Support and Remaining Challenges
Liberal Democrat MPs Helen Maguire, Bobby Dean and Luke Taylor welcomed the agreement as long-overdue recognition for essential hospital staff. However, they expressed concerns about implementation timelines and funding.
Bobby Dean, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, noted: "This is a step in the right direction for staff who do vital work at St Helier Hospital. But three years is a long time to wait for fair overtime pay."
Mr Taylor raised additional concerns about back pay and pensions, urging the government to provide new funding for a faster resolution. He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure problems at St Helier Hospital, including leaking wards and failing ceilings.
The transition to AfC contracts is expected to cost the Trust an additional £7.9 million, with past pension contributions requiring correction on top of this amount.
A spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed: "We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and our Board has taken decisive action to end an historical arrangement that left some of our people paid different rates for doing similar work."
The Trust will now consult with affected staff about moving them onto NHS Agenda for Change terms, delivering a pay rise of more than £2,000 alongside increased annual leave starting from April 2026.
