Health members win in Liverpool

UNISON members at Liverpool Hospitals Health Branch have successfully campaigned to bring 130 soft facilities staff members back in-house at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital at the start of October.

This huge win means that members will benefit from enhanced terms and conditions, such as improved pay, annual leave provision and entitlement to the NHS pension.

Soft facilities management staff are the backbone of the hospital – they provide essential services such as cleaning, catering, portering, and security.

Joe Baldwin, UNISON Liverpool Health Branch Secretary Joe Baldwin said: “We have long campaigned for the return of this vital service to come back into the NHS and I am delighted that it has now become a reality for our members.

“This move will make a real difference to our members working lives, reaffirming the value of being part of the NHS family and having access to Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions.

“I applaud the Trust executives for making this important decision, a clear example of what can be achieved through effective partnership working with UNISON.”

Executive managing director at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital Jenny Hanson added: “This transition means our valued colleagues will move onto NHS contracts, marking an important step in aligning their roles more closely with the wider NHS workforce. We look forward to welcoming you into the NHS family.”