CATERERS, housekeepers, security guards and porters employed by Serco at Great Western Hospital in Swindon are set to strike over pay.

The workers, who are demanding one-off payments already awarded to their NHS colleagues, will walk out next Monday for 48 hours, their union Unison said today.

Other workers received two lump payments in a wage deal agreed for staff on Agenda for Change contracts in June 2023, but Serco has refused to award the bonuses.

Unison South West regional manager Jayne Jackson said: “Serco’s refusal to honour the NHS pay deal is deeply unjust and has left hard-working hospital staff struggling to make ends meet.

“Serco posted profits of over £249 million in 2023, so there’s no justification for denying its employees the same financial recognition as NHS workers.

“Staff have been left with no choice but to strike to demand the fair pay they’re entitled to.”

A Serco spokesman claims it has “a great relationship” with colleagues and Unison at the hospital.

He said: “We are as disappointed as they are that our application to the Department of Health and Social Care to fund the bonus has not been successful.”