Striking staff extend action further into June

Phlebotomists - staff who take blood - make 15p more than minimum wage in Gloucestershire, a union has said

Medical staff who take blood samples have extended their current strike, which has now reached its 70th day.

Phlebotomists - staff who specialise in taking blood samples - at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital first contacted Kevin McNamara, chief executive, in September 2024 to raise concerns about pay, UNISON said.

The union said Mr McNamara still has not met the phlebotomists, who make 15p above minimum wage at £12.36 per hour, and that the strike will now continue up to 22 June.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for comment, but previously said it "would like to sit down with the union and work this through".

According to NHS guidance, staff with phlebotomist skills should be earning at least 77p more per hour that they currently do, UNISON said.

The union added a formal NHS job evaluation panel reviewed their case earlier this year, with the majority of panel members concluding the workers were on the wrong band.

But, the union claimed, the panel was shut down by "senior trust managers" before a decision could be finalised.

UNISON South West regional organiser Chris Roche said: "These trained specialists support patients with complex needs and take blood samples in challenging circumstances.

"They've shown incredible courage in standing up for themselves and have been through the correct process, but they've been met with nothing but excuses and silence.

"It's time for Kevin McNamara to stop hiding behind his senior team and meet with the workers affected. Patients and staff deserve better."