Whiston Hospital scientists set to strike in row over pay

Unite the union said members had been told they did not qualify for a £4,000 essential services payment

Scientists working in a microbiology team at a Merseyside hospital are set to strike in a row over pay.

The workers based at Whiston Hospital have announced 36 days of action between March and June.

Unite the union said members had been told they did not qualify for a £4,000 essential services payment other department members had received.

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been contacted for comment.

'Highly-skilled'

A union representative said attempts to discuss the matter with line managers at the hospital had been ignored and all grievance procedures had been exhausted.

The microbiology team consists of biomedical scientists who diagnose, treat and prevent the spread of infection.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the workers were "highly-skilled and experienced scientists" who had covered all Covid testing for the region.

"These highly skilled and experienced scientists have seen colleagues doing similar work being rewarded and have been hung out to dry by the NHS trust," Ms Graham said.

"This is disgraceful behaviour from their employer and Unite will not stand for it. We will be backing our members 100% in their fight for fair pay."

The strike action is planned to start with three days strike from 14 March.