Striking phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are urging chief executive Kevin McNamara to engage directly and resolve their ongoing pay dispute. Despite initiating contact with Mr. McNamara last September, the specialized blood sample collectors, represented by UNISON, have yet to secure a face-to-face meeting with the CEO.
Currently earning £12.36 per hour—just 15p above the legal minimum wage—the phlebotomists argue that their pay falls significantly short of what NHS guidance suggests. According to the union, their skills and experience warrant at least an additional 77p per hour.
Earlier this year, a formal NHS job evaluation panel largely agreed that these workers are inaccurately graded. However, before a final decision could be reached, senior trust managers halted the panel’s process. In response, the phlebotomists have extended their strike action through Sunday, June 22, marking over 70 days of industrial action.
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Chris Roche, UNISON’s South West regional organiser, emphasized the critical role these specialists play, particularly in supporting patients with complex needs under challenging circumstances. He criticized the trust leadership for continued silence and excuses, stating, “It’s time for Kevin McNamara to stop hiding behind his senior team and meet with the workers affected. Patients and staff deserve better.”
In response, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said while Mr. McNamara has yet to meet directly with the staff, other senior leaders engaged with the union last month to address the issues. Additionally, the CEO has offered to meet the phlebotomists within days if they agree to pause their strike, hoping for a constructive dialogue.
A trust spokesperson said, “Our Medical Director and Director for People met with UNISON last month to try to resolve the current issues. Our Chief Executive has also written to our phlebotomy colleagues with an offer to meet them within days if they pause their strike action to allow truly constructive discussions to take place. We look forward to their response.”