Healthcare workers in Wiltshire strike amid pay dispute
Unison members formed a picket line in Salisbury on Wednesday morning
Last updated 14th Feb 2024
Healthcare workers across Wiltshire have taken strike action today after not receiving a post-covid pay rise.
Wiltshire Health and Care staff who are Unison members formed a picket line in Salisbury, near the city's Five Rivers Leisure Centre, after 95% of union members backed industrial action.
In June 2023, a deal was agreed on NHS contracts which included a 5% rise in pay for the current financial year and a one of payment of £1,655 for those paid the least in 2022/23.
However, Wiltshire Health and Care have not made this payment.
The union says health workers, including nurses, occupational therapists, care co-ordinators, and physios, should be treated fairly and receive the same as their colleagues employed directly by the NHS.
We spoke to those on the picket line who said they feel 'devalued', which has caused staff morale to drop.
A 'kick in the teeth' for staff
Helen Nash, a steward for Unison told Greatest Hits Radio that it's affecting staff retention.
"It's quite concerning in terms of recruitment of staff," she said, "It makes people think twice about coming to work in the community when we paid less than qualified clinical staff who work in hospitals."
Kate Buttimer is a neuro-rehab support worker and said staff haven't been recognised for their work over the pandemic.
"We feel completely disrespected. Many of my colleagues are now looking for jobs working in the hospitals," she said, adding its made her question who she works for in the health sector.
We spoke to a community nurse, who described the denial of the payment as "a kick in the teeth".
UNISON South West regional organiser Jayne Jackson said: “Wiltshire Health and Care staff wear an NHS uniform and are key to keeping services in the county running.
“They deserve proper recognition for their hard work and that means being paid fairly. Failure to deliver the bonus has left staff feeling unloved and with no alternative but to strike.
“The lump sum would make a huge difference. It would also make financial sense for Wiltshire Health and Care as the extra cash could be just the thing to persuade disillusioned workers not to quit the firm for good.”
Services continue despite strike action
Wiltshire Health and Care continuing to deliver their services, with reduced staff levels and are prioritising patient safety.
Shirley-Ann Carvill, managing director of Wiltshire Health and Care said: “Patient safety remains our top priority and we have robust business continuity plans in place to ensure we can continue to deliver care and support to those who need it most.
During the strike and with support from system partners, we will continue to deliver our services and provide safe care to our patients but with a reduced staffing level.”