Staff Pressure Forces SubCo Pause, But the Fight Isn't Over

Last week, following mounting pressure from staff, UNISON formally raised a dispute with the three Dorset NHS trusts over their plan to move 1,700 workers into a SubCo.

In response, the trusts have now paused all SubCo work for four weeks to enter what they call “meaningful discussions” with the unions.

This is a direct result of staff action: the consultative ballot, hundreds of conversations across departments, the postcards, rallies, meetings, flyers, all of it has made a difference and they know it.

“People power does make a difference,” said the email from UNISON.
“We need to keep organising — and be prepared to defeat this through industrial action.”

But this isn’t over.

The SubCo plan hasn’t been scrapped, just paused. Trust leaders are still committed to their business case, and unless staff remain united, they may simply pick things up again once the pressure fades.

That’s why this moment matters.

We’ve shown what’s possible when staff come together across sites, departments and roles. Now we need to build on that momentum.

• Keep talking to colleagues.
• Keep recruiting into the union.
• Stay informed, stay active, and stay ready.

We’ve forced a pause. Now let’s push for a reversal.