Ministers warned of strike threat in NHS worker transfers dispute

The health service could be hit by strikes in the autumn unless plans that could see thousands of workers transferred out of the NHS are halted, a union has warned.

Unison told ministers there will be “no place to hide” if they do not clamp down on NHS trusts farming out support services to subsidiary companies.

The union has tabled a motion on the issue to be debated at the TUC Congress, which opens in Brighton on Sunday.

Unison said proposals by health trusts for more outsourcing are a “direct contradiction” of Labour’s pre-election pledge to bring privatised public services back in house.

The union is warning that unless ministers act, there could be strike action in the autumn.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Before the election, Labour promised to bring workers on private contracts back into public services, but, in power, ministers are doing the opposite.

“The Government can’t hide behind NHS England. These decisions are being taken on this Government’s watch.

“The NHS needs to be rebuilt, not dismantled and parcelled off to the lowest bidder.

“Porters, cleaners and other staff want to be part of the NHS, working as one team to give patients the best care possible. Any trusts trying to move them out to subsidiary companies can expect opposition and potential strike action.

“The NHS depends on support staff to keep hospitals clean, safe and running efficiently.

“Many are already low-paid and farming them off to subsidiary companies will leave them with an even worse deal.”

Published: 06/09/2025 by Radio NewsHub