DISCONTENT among agency workers against “endless and relentless” attacks is hitting critical mass across NHS hospitals in London, with staff talking openly about possible strike action.

Inter-staff messages seen by the Star highlight widespread anger over perceived attacks on working conditions by outsourcing company ISS.

The subcontracting giant, which supplies cleaning, catering and security staff to London hospitals, has already been criticised for failing to pay the London Living Wage of £10.55 an hour. Workers also don’t receive immediate sick pay, which staff say is a health risk if people are forced back into hospital work before they’re fully recovered.

The last straw however has been the company’s implementing of a new pay cycle scheme which means that wages will be withheld for up to three weeks from the end of April.

Alongside a protest this Thursday outside the Queen Elizabeth, Princess Royal and Kingston hospitals, workers have been expressing their disquiet through internal messaging.

One missive seen by the Star accused ISS management of using “scare tactics” against workers, and claimed that “threats of disciplinary action” prevented people from attending a management meeting.

Workers also claimed that managers said their union membership could not change anything.

The message added: “They’re obviously scared!”

Another worker said: “I am happy to strike over this, that is how strong I feel about being shafted by ISS.

“I see it that ISS is illegally withholding pay.”

Another message simply put: “ISS can stick their bridging loan where the sun don’t shine.”

The GMB met with ISS earlier in the week and advised them to advance the workers’ wages ahead of the pay change, but the company refused.

GMB regional organiser Helen O’Connor said: “The list of injustices being meted out against ISS workers by their managers appears to be endless and relentless.

“ISS has no regard for the wellbeing of its workforce.

“It is beyond belief that low-paid workers can be expected to pay back loans in excess of £300 a month so that a multinational company like ISS can change their pay cycles.”

The union has responded by setting up food banks for hospital staff in Lewisham and Greenwich, Kingston and the Princess Royal Hospital.

ISS have been contacted for comment.