Croydon University Hospital staff protest over sick pay dispute
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Chants of “G4S pay us now” rang out in front of Croydon University Hospital today as cleaners and porters protested over sick pay.
The GMB union has warned that staff could strike on the issue if no resolution is found.
Workers at the London Road hospital claim they have not been receiving full sick pay when off with Covid-19.
GMB claims staff are now only entitled to basic statutory sick pay from the government, which is £96 a week.
Cleaning and portering services at the hospital are outsourced to private firm G4S, which has disputed that staff are not getting proper sick pay.
GMB regional organiser Helen O’Connor said: “We are always happy to engage in talks, but those talks must deliver results that improve the pay, terms and conditions of GMB members or they are pointless.
“Workers are facing massive hikes in bills, and those employed at Croydon Hospital by G4S cannot survive on the sort of poverty pay they are currently paid.
“Our members have told GMB that they want pay justice because they are all too aware that it’s their hard work that is keeping the contract going within the hospital trust.
“They are simply demanding to be valued and that this be reflected in pay, terms and conditions.”
She warned that staff had also urged GMB to ballot for strike action.
The demonstration was backed by Labour MPs Sarah Jones and Steve Reed.
In a statement on her Twitter page, Ms Jones said: “It is completely unreasonable and we are calling on G4S to do the right thing and support people who have spent all their careers and especially the last two years supporting us.”
A spokesperson for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “G4S, our contracted providers, have given us full assurance that no staff will lose pay if they are off sick with Covid-19 and the Trust had already, and will continue to, reimburse G4S to cover the cost of this.
“Our portering and domestic teams play a vital role in the care we provide for our patients and their continued safety and well-being will always be our top priority.”
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for G4S said the well-being of its staff was “paramount”.
They said: “Our employees receive sick pay as per their contractual terms and in line with all Government and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) guidelines.”
G4S has been contacted for further comment.
Pictured top: Protesters outside Croydon University Hospital (image: GMB Southern Region)
