OUTSOURCED health workers have backed strike action in Swindon after Serco refused to give them an at least £1,655 pay rise that had been awarded to other NHS workers, Unison announced today.

The walkout by staff employed by the outsourcing giant will affect Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the union said, with strike dates yet to be announced.

Unison South West regional manager Jayne Jackson said: “Serco’s refusal to honour the NHS bonus has left hospital staff with no alternative but to vote for strike action.

“With an operating profit of more than £249 million for 2023, the company can easily afford to pay.

“It’s simply unjust that hard-working and low-paid NHS workers should have to take industrial action to get the money they’re entitled to and deserve.

“It’s not too late for Serco to think again and avoid disruption. It should play fair and pay its staff properly.”

A Serco spokesman said: “We are disappointed that Unison members have voted for strike action at Great Western Hospital.  

“Serco has a great relationship with our colleagues and Unison at the hospital and we are as disappointed as they are that our NHS funding application for the non-consolidated agenda for change bonus has not been successful.  

“We will continue to work with Unison to find a mutually acceptable outcome to this issue.”