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.