Dorset NHS Workers Back Strike Action Against SubCo Plans

UNISON has announced that NHS staff across Dorset have overwhelmingly backed strike action in response to the plan to outsource 1,700 support staff into a wholly owned subsidiary company, a “SubCo.”

In a 98% majority vote, workers including porters, cleaners, estates, and catering staff have made clear: they do not want to be transferred out of the NHS.

Staff across Dorset County Hospital, Poole, Royal Bournemouth, Weymouth, and Christchurch say they fear:

• Inferior pay and conditions
• Loss of NHS identity
• Reduced access to internal career progression
• Privatisation through the back door

“The NHS needs to be rebuilt, not dismantled and parcelled off to the lowest bidder.”
— Kerry Baigent, UNISON South West

What Comes Next?

UNISON has now launched a formal legal strike ballot, following months of protests, postcards, lobbying, and organising. The pressure from staff and public opposition forced the Trusts to pause the plan for four weeks — but it hasn’t been dropped.

This is our NHS. This is a fight we can win.

Read the full Dorset Echo article here:
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/25371570.dorset-hospital-staff-back-strike-action-job-outsourcing-row