The struggle to keep NHS jobs in-house intensifies as Colchester Hospital support staff prepare for a five-day strike starting on 10 September. Following an earlier strike in August, these workers are standing firm against outsourcing, fearing the move would compromise both their livelihoods and patient care.
The Ongoing Battle for NHS Jobs
In August, cleaners, porters, housekeepers, and other essential staff at Colchester Hospital took to the picket lines for a week, protesting plans to outsource their jobs.
The proposed outsourcing by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) would affect services such as cleaning, catering, portering, and housekeeping.
Despite the disruption caused by the strike, ESNEFT has shown no sign of reversing its decision. This has left staff with no choice but to continue their fight.
Colchester Hospital porter John Franklin captured the sentiment of many when he said,
“We give our hearts and souls into working for the NHS and supporting patients, but we will not accept being sold off like a piece of equipment to a private company to make money.”
September Strike: What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high for the Colchester Hospital staff as they gear up for another round of strikes. They fear that outsourcing will lead to reduced pay and benefits, as shown by the experience at Ipswich Hospital, where OCS, a private contractor, manages services.
Outsourced workers at Ipswich receive fewer days of annual leave and less sick pay than their NHS-employed counterparts.
Moreover, staff worry that the quality of hospital services will decline if jobs are outsourced.
UNISON Eastern regional organiser Sam Older warned,
“There’s overwhelming evidence that outsourcing leads to dirtier hospitals and higher infection rates, but trust bosses are ploughing on regardless.”
UNISON’s Call for Support
UNISON, the union representing the striking workers, is calling on members across the country to support Colchester Hospital staff. The union has set up a strike fund to assist those affected by the ongoing industrial action.
The determination of these workers is clear; they are prepared to continue their protest until their jobs are secured within the NHS.
Strike Details
Strike Dates |
Location |
Services Affected |
|---|---|---|
| 19-23 August | Colchester Hospital | Cleaning, Catering, Portering, Housekeeping, Security |
| 10-14 September | Colchester Hospital, Community Sites | Cleaning, Catering, Portering, Housekeeping, Security |
The Wider Implications
This strike is not just about the staff at Colchester Hospital; it touches on the broader issue of NHS privatization. The move to outsource these jobs is part of a larger trend that has seen increasing numbers of NHS services transferred to private companies. For the government, this strike is a significant test of its healthcare policies and its commitment to the NHS.
NHS outsourcing is a contentious issue, and the strike’s outcome could shape future decisions about NHS management. If the strike escalates or continues without resolution, it could have political ramifications, particularly in how the public perceives the government’s handling of the NHS.
Potential Solutions
As the strike looms, the Colchester Hospital support staff remain resolute. Their message to ESNEFT is clear: they will not back down until their jobs are safe.
The outcome of this battle will be closely watched by NHS staff across the country, many of whom fear that their jobs could be next.
In the words of John Franklin,
“We will continue to fight for our jobs, for the public and for the best service possible — and that means staying in-house.”
