Staff members at a major hospital are getting ready to protest against a decision to cut a large number of jobs, especially in fire safety and water quality, according to a union spokesperson.
The protest, organized by Unite union members who work at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, will be held outside St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster Bridge Road. The trust recently announced plans to reduce the number of jobs in the facilities and capital development team by a significant 58%, from 154 down to 64.
Various roles are at risk, including fire safety, water quality, major projects, maintenance, and minor construction work. Unite claims that all employees in the department will need to reapply for their jobs, with many new positions being offered at lower pay rates.
Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed expressed concerns about the impact of these plans on workers, patients, and the local community. He criticized the move, stating that it could lead to NHS funds being diverted to private companies.
The Guy’s and St Thomas’ trust is responsible for a large portion of the NHS services in London, including several hospitals and community sites. Unite warns that the trust’s decision may result in increased reliance on outsourcing companies for services previously managed internally.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned the trust’s actions, accusing management of mistreating essential workers. She described the restructuring as a way for consultants and outsourcing firms to profit at the expense of staff members.
The union has pledged to support its members at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and has threatened to launch a campaign against the job cuts, potentially including industrial action, if the trust does not reconsider its plans.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust have been made, but no response has been received yet.
In the midst of these developments, it is crucial to recognize the importance of ensuring job security and fair treatment for healthcare workers. The quality of patient care and the overall functioning of hospitals heavily depend on the dedication and well-being of staff members. Hopefully, a resolution that prioritizes the interests of employees and patients alike can be reached through constructive dialogue and cooperation between all parties involved.
