Health workers at Homerton NHS Trust celebrate pay increase and backpay deal, says UNISON
Thursday 8 January 2026
For immediate release
Health workers at Homerton NHS Trust celebrate pay increase and backpay deal, says UNISON
Specialist blood staff working for east London’s Homerton NHS Trust are celebrating after being moved to a higher wage rate and given almost five years’ back pay in recognition of their expertise, says UNISON today (Thursday).
The phlebotomists, who take and handle blood samples from patients, had campaigned to be paid fairly to reflect the skills and responsibilities needed for their roles.
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust accepted staff were working above their grades, and agreed to move them up*. Those with two years or more service are placed at the top of their new band.
Phlebotomists carry out technical clinical work that requires expertise and experience, but have long been paid on the bottom rung of the NHS pay scale, says UNISON. They’re adept at putting people at ease, including those living with dementia and mental health conditions, says the union.
UNISON has been campaigning for many months for the higher wage rate for staff, who work at Homerton University Hospital.
UNISON London regional organiser Rosie Sammut said: “Phlebotomists play a vital role in patient care, supporting diagnosis and treatment across the hospital.
“These specialist health workers have been undervalued for too long and UNISON has been proud to stand with them to win the pay and recognition they deserve.”
Phlebotomist Ruby Laurent-Smart said: “I’m so glad we have secured our back pay and banding increase. Our work is essential and to see us go from the lowest banding possible to where we are now is definitely a step in the right direction.”
Phlebotomist and UNISON rep Deana Brooks said: “After years of fighting for what we knew was right, our hard work, skill and commitment have finally been recognised.”
Homerton UNISON branch secretary Jordan Rivera said: “I am so proud of our members for this win, which has been achieved through their persistence and determination.”
“This result shows what you can achieve when you put in the hard work to organise and when you are prepared to take action.”
Notes to editors:
– *The staff had previously been paid at the lower Band 2 rate of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, but have now been moved to Band 3.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E: [email protected]