Healthcare workers at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield who are campaigning to be rebanded so their pay reflects the tasks they carry out have received support from their MP, says UNISON today (Friday).
Many of the healthcare assistants at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, including those in Wakefield, have been on band 2 of the NHS’s national Agenda for Change pay scale, but have regularly undertaken clinical duties falling under band 3 for several years, says the union.
UNISON is campaigning nationally for all band 2 staff with increased responsibilities to be paid at the correct rate for the work they are doing. The Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign also calls for staff to be compensated for band 3 work already carried out.
The Labour MP for Wakefield Simon Lightwood visited around 50 healthcare assistants at Pinderfields earlier today in a show of support for the campaign.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Sarah Brummitt said: “These healthcare workers play a vital role in keeping the NHS running, frequently carrying out duties above their pay grade.
“They need to be paid properly for the tasks they do. It’s a fantastic show of support for Simon Lightwood to visit them, and it’s brilliant for staff morale to know their local MP is on their side.”
Labour MP for Wakefield Simon Lightwood said: “Having worked in the NHS for many years before becoming Wakefield’s MP, I know all too well that staff are real life superheroes.
“Thank you to all those who took the time to share their own stories and concerns.
“As a Labour and UNISON MP, I’m committed to doing all that I can to support our phenomenal local NHS staff. Only Labour has a plan to get the NHS back on its feet, and make sure that staff are given the support and resources they need.”
