Dispute over staff contract changes at hospital

Cheswold Park Hospital supports adults with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.

A hospital has refused to update some staff contracts to match NHS standards, creating a "two-tier" workforce, according to the union Unite.

Staff at Cheswold Park, a mental health hospital in Doncaster, were employed by private company Riverside until late 2024, when the NHS was asked to take over the site.

A spokesperson for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said staff were "fully supported" following the change and all workers would be moved on to NHS contracts once the "financial position supports the move".

Chris Rawlinson, regional officer at Unite, said NHS values were "not being upheld in their treatment of workers".

More than 170 workers had launched a collective grievance against the Trust, Unite said.

The union also accused the Trust of "trying to take advantage" of contract disparities to save money on redundancy packages and sick pay.

It said one woman, who had worked at the hospital since it was run by Riverside, returned to work against her doctor's advice after a miscarriage as she was not entitled to sick pay.

The Trust said it "did not accept the position" described by Unite.

"It does not accurately reflect the situation in Cheswold Park, nor acknowledge the support being provided to staff at the hospital," a spokesperson said.

The Trust aimed to ensure patients and staff could "remain at the hospital whilst returning it to a stable financial position", they added.

"In respect of staff terms and conditions we have always followed our legal obligations and continue to do so."

"We have not in any way changed the terms and conditions of employment of staff who have transferred over to the Trust," they said.

Mr Rawlinson said taking members on strike over the dispute was "a last resort", but they would be given the option if the employer refused to budge.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the situation as "absolutely sickening".

"The Trust's leadership should hang their heads in shame for allowing it to happen," she added.

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