NHS Phlebotomists Strike Nears Nine Months Over Pay Dispute

Low-paid phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospital are approaching nine months on strike, making it the longest industrial action in NHS history. Since March 17, 37 staff members responsible for taking blood samples have protested over pay and job grading disputes.

The staff began striking after Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust refused to regrade them despite their claims of performing additional duties beyond their current band two NHS pay scale. According to UNISON, the union representing them, the phlebotomists have been incorrectly placed on the lowest pay scale, performing tasks typically assigned to band three employees for years. The Trust disputes this and says it follows the national banding guidelines.

The workers are calling for a modest pay increase of £1.09 per hour and want supervisors currently on band three to be upgraded to band four, including back pay to 2018. However, hospital chiefs warn that this could cost up to £450,000.

In response, the Trust has proposed reclassifying their roles to a new band three healthcare support worker position, which would provide hourly wages ranging from £12.75 to £13.60 after two years. If accepted, striking phlebotomists could see raises from 24p to £1.09 per hour.

Despite the offer, the phlebotomists urge Chief Executive Kevin McNamara to resolve the dispute quickly. “226 days and counting - Come on Kevin, if you really do value your phlebotomists, let’s end this farce now,” said Kelvin Willsher, one of the workers on strike.

Activist Jessie Hoskin commented, “This small group of minimum wage staff only wants fair pay for their work, but they feel stonewalled and misled by their employer.”

A Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson stated that the offer represents progress, including improved pay, training, and facilities. Talks continue as both sides hope for a resolution.