Hospital staff to take strike action over pay

Hospital staff in Leeds, who are to strike for two weeks over low pay and disputes over back pay, have said they have been left with "little choice" not to take industrial action.

Theatre assistants, who are members of Unison, will begin action on 22 June across three NHS sites in Leeds, including Leeds General Infirmary, St James's University Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospital.

Unison said the workers are currently on the lowest pay grade in the NHS but frequently carry out duties above that grade.

Dr Elizabeth Garthwaite, from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said plans are in place to minimise disruption in their services during industrial action.

Theatre assistants support fellow staff in the theatre room, and according to Unison, earn less than £13 per hour.

It would cost "little more" than £1 extra for them to move up to the next pay grade, which is more in line with the work they carry out, according to the union.

Since the launch of the union's Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign, many healthcare support staff in England and Wales have secured regrading and back pay settlements.

Karen Loughlin, Yorkshire and Humberside's Unison secretary said: "Staff do not want to be taking further strike action, but they have been left with little choice.

"Other NHS employers have reached sensible agreements on regrading and back pay. Leeds must do the same.

"These workers are simply asking to be treated fairly and consistently with colleagues elsewhere in the NHS," she said.

Garthwaite said the trust was working closely with theatre assistants and staff representatives.

"Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and we want everyone to feel valued, respected and able to raise their concerns," she said.

Picket lines will be in place at Leeds General Infirmary on 22 and 26 June, while further pickets will be staged at St James's University Hospital on 24 and 29 June and 3 July.

This most recent industrial action follows previous strikes held in February and December 2025.

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