Operating theatres staff at Leeds hospitals to vote on strike action in back pay dispute
The workers say they're being offered 'significantly less' than colleagues moving up to a higher pay band
Last updated 26th Sep 2025
Staff working in operating theatres at hospitals in Leeds are to vote on whether to strike, in a dispute over back pay.
UNISON claims staff working at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are being offered significantly less than colleagues - as they're moved up to a new pay band.
They are being offered back pay to November 2024, whilst other staff have received compensation back to April 2021.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Gary Cleaver said: “Taking strike action is always a last resort – but the trust is refusing to compensate theatres staff in line with colleagues who’ve been in the same position."
“They’ve been working above their pay grade for years and it’s only right they're fairly compensated.
“The interim chief exec resolved a similar dispute in his previous role and we hope he’ll come forward with a back pay offer that can settle this dispute without the need for strikes.”
Rachel Potter, perioperative assistant in Bexley Wing Theatres at Saint James’s University Hospital said: “Theatres staff carry out crucial work, supporting patients and clinical colleagues to make sure serious procedures go smoothly.
"It’s important that the trust acknowledges the important work we do by moving us up a pay grade, but we also deserve to be fairly compensated for the work we’ve already done.”
Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said:
“It’s important to us that colleagues feel valued and are able to share their concerns.
"We’re working together with colleagues in theatres and our staff side representatives to try and resolve this dispute as soon as possible and ensure minimal disruption to patient care.”