Nuneaton hospital workers strike over job fears

The move would see them change from NHS workers to part of a private firm.

IT workers at The George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton are taking strike action over plans to transfer their jobs to a new company.

The move would see them change from NHS workers to part of a private firm.

Charlie Sarell, UNISON Regional Organiser, said: "They believe in the whole ethos of the NHS, they want to be part of the heath service. They want to support the front line staff and they don't see why they should be moved out to what is in effect a separate company."

The two-day strike will be followed by another two days at the end of the month if the situation can not be resolved.

Chief Executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Glen Burley, said: ”George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust are in the very unique position, as neighbours and members of the Foundation Group, both organisations face similar challenges and have a shared vision. The purpose of bringing the ICT functions together is to enhance the ability to share best practice, develop skills to strengthen our services, whilst taking advantage of opportunities that would not be possible otherwise.

“Throughout all stages of this process we have worked closely with Union representatives to address their concerns and we are having ongoing conversations regarding arrangements with them post-transfer. We are therefore disappointed that they have proposed industrial action. We will be working hard to ensure there is minimal impact on services or additional pressure on staff during these periods.”

The trust said they are working hard to make sure there is little impact on services or additional pressure on staff during this time.