MORE than 500 workers at a Surrey hospital group have secured a landmark agreement to receive vastly superior NHS Agenda for Change pay and conditions following a union campaign.

Some £10 million will be redistributed into the pockets of mostly black, ethnic minority and migrant cleaners, porters, catering and patient transport staff at St Helier and Epsom hospitals as a result, said United Voices of the World (UVW).

Their inferior terms saw them lose £32 million in pay and benefits over four years, with some underpaid by as much as £10,000 a year, according to UVW.

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group (GESH) entered negotiations after an overwhelming 98 per cent voted in favour of strike action, producing a report alleging that “institutionalised racism” is entrenched in the NHS.

UVW general secretary Petros Elia said: “After years of being ignored, underpaid and treated worse than second class, they forced the trust to treat them as equals.

“However, the fight isn’t over, and our members remain strike-ready (the UVW strike mandate remains live) in case the bosses try to break the deal.

“There is also the matter of back pay that hasn’t been resolved, and legal action may be taken in respect of that if necessary.

“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together, and they are true NHS heroes.”

A spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We will now consult with our porters, cleaners, catering and patient transport colleagues on our proposals to move towards NHS Agenda for Change, with a pay rise of more than £2,000 and increased annual leave starting from April 2026.”