UNISON win for cleaning and ambulance preparation staff
Cleaning and Make Ready* staff at London Ambulance Service (LAS) will be awarded approximately £1600 thanks to a UNISON campaign.
The offer follows staff narrowly missing out on the government’s lump sum payment for staff employed directly by the NHS as of 31 March 2023. The 448 staff members, previously having been employed by Mitie, will now receive the same 2022/23 non-consolidated payment and uplift for their band.
This will be paid in July to allow time for people to request to spread the payments if they need or want to, depending on their personal circumstances, says the union.
Eddie Brand branch secretary and national executive council member said: “These staff members work tirelessly to ensure the ambulance service is safe and equipped to deliver life-saving care.
During the pandemic they risked their lives every day by coming in to work and it is only right that they get the same recognition and reward as every other worker in the NHS.
It has taken several months of campaigning, but we welcome LAS working with us to reach a solution.”
* Make Ready teams refer to the staff responsible for working around the clock, predominantly at night, to restock and refuel and clean ambulances at the end of a busy shift, so that ambulances are in a perfect condition for the next shift.