Specialist healthcare workers at Gloucester and Cheltenham hospitals who deal with patient blood samples are to vote on strike action over unfair pay and grading from today (Tuesday), says UNISON.
The workers, known as phlebotomists, are paid just £12.08 an hour despite their expertise and vital role in treatment, with some having worked in the NHS for more than two decades.
The staff are paid on Band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, but UNISON says their skills and responsibilities mean they should be paid at the higher Band 3.
They also deserve back pay to compensate them for being incorrectly banded since 2018, says the union.
The phlebotomists asked Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to put their pay right over a year ago, but hospital bosses failed to act.
Staff voted unanimously in favour of a strike ballot during a recent consultation. They will be balloted from today until Tuesday 18 February.
Phlebotomists collect blood samples from hospital patients and overstretched GP surgeries, providing critical support to the healthcare system, says UNISON. They work with patients of all ages, including those with complex needs, such as drug dependency, cognitive impairments, and serious physical and mental health conditions.
The knowledge, training, and experience required to carry out the job should properly be paid at Band 3 under the NHS Job Evaluation Handbook, UNISON says. The roles should be regraded so staff are recognised and rewarded for the job they do, the union adds.
Trust executives could avoid any disruption by resolving the dispute and paying the staff fairly, says UNISON.
Phlebotomist Caroline Hayhurst said: “I do this job because I love it, but it’s getting harder and harder to pay the bills. Not many people realise the skills and experience it takes to be a phlebotomist until they need one.
“We work with patients of all ages, often with complex physical and mental health conditions. It’s time our pay and grading reflected the responsibilities of the role.”
UNISON South West regional organiser Chris Roche said: “These dedicated staff play a vital role in the health service. They should be focused on patients, rather than worrying about whether they can pay their bills.
“Phlebotomists couldn’t be blamed for leaving for better paid work elsewhere, worsening the NHS staffing crisis. But instead they’ve chosen to stay for their patients, and campaign for fair pay. The trust must do the right thing now to avoid industrial action.”