John Radcliffe Hospital porters: Unison negotiates new deal

Porters are due to hold a 24-hour strike on Thursday

Revised proposals for Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital porters have been negotiated in last-minute talks over a row about changes to shift patterns and job roles, a union has said.

Unison said the new plans would be presented to its members early next week, following a "productive" day of talks with Carillion.

Members will then vote whether a 48-hour strike will go ahead on Thursday.

The union originally said changes would worsen pay and conditions.

Regional organiser James Sleep said the new package of proposals would "significantly minimise the impact of the changes".

"After a productive day of negotiations with Carillion, a new package of proposals will be presented and put to a ballot of our members early next week," he added.

The outcome of the final vote is expected on Wednesday.

A strike was postponed in July, the day before porters were due to walk out.

Unison believes some porters could lose up to £54 a week if their hours are altered, and union members had voted in favour of industrial action.

Carillion, which employs the porters, was unavailable for comment, but has previously said it aimed to agree on improvements to "deliver an improved service for patients and [that] have the support and confidence of our staff".