Homerton health workers celebrate ‘long overdue’ pay increase

Homerton Hospital. Photograph: courtesy the Homerton

Health workers at Homerton Hospital have secured a “substantial” wage increase – with one calling it a “moment of dignity restored”.

The clinical support staff, including healthcare, maternity and rehabilitation assistants, will also receive more than three years of back pay as part of the deal.

The workers had campaigned for fairer pay for months, backed by the Unison trade union.

They had been paid at Band 2 of the NHS’s pay scale despite regularly carrying out jobs that fell under the higher Band 3 rate, according to Unison.

Following negotiations, the Homerton NHS Trust significantly improved its original offer, and the workers have now accepted.

Rehabilitation assistant Nasima Begum said: “This back pay is more than just numbers on a payslip.

“After working through Covid and everything we’ve been through, this win feels like a moment of dignity restored.

“We’re proud of each other, proud of how we stood together, and proud of what we achieved with the backing of our union.”

Healthcare assistant Raheem Dabiri added: “It’s been a long road, but in the end, it’s been worth all the sweat and hard work.

“It’s gratifying to see that, finally, all our years of hard work and dedication are being recognised.”

Unison’s Homerton branch secretary Jordan Rivera said: “This victory is long overdue.

“These dedicated health workers have been going above and beyond for years, taking on clinical duties without proper recognition or pay.

“Their campaigning means they’ve now secured both.”

The agreement is a success for Unison’s national Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign, aimed at ensuring all Band 2 NHS staff with increased responsibilities are paid at the correct rate and compensated for Band 3 work already carried out.

The union’s London regional secretary, Sara Gorton, said: “This deal is a major step toward recognising, respecting and fairly rewarding the vital roles played by clinical support workers.

“It’s a hard-won victory. Their determination and persistence have finally paid off. They truly deserve this substantial wage rise.”

Reacting to the deal, Homerton Hospital’s chief people officer, Del Mehet, said: “This agreement reflects a shared commitment to fairness, recognition and partnership, and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together in the best interests of our people.

“We are committed to continuing and building on this partnership working between the Trust and our union colleagues as we move forward.”