Tuesday 29 July 2025
For immediate release
Health workers at Homerton NHS Trust win substantial wage increase and back pay deal, says UNISON
Hundreds of clinical support workers* in London have secured a ‘substantial’ wage rise and will receive more than three years’ back pay following a union campaign, says UNISON today (Tuesday).
The workers had been paid at band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, despite regularly performing clinical tasks that should be on a higher band 3 rate, says the union.
Staff working at Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had campaigned for many months to be paid fairly, including money for the extra work they have already done.
Following negotiations, the trust significantly improved its original offer, which workers have now accepted, says the union.
The offer is a success for UNISON’s national Pay fair for patient care campaign, aimed at ensuring all band 2 staff with increased responsibilities are paid at the correct rate and compensated for band 3 work already carried out.
UNISON London regional secretary Sara Gorton said: “This deal is a major step toward recognising, respecting and fairly rewarding the vital roles played by clinical support workers.
“It’s a hard-won victory. Their determination and persistence have finally paid off. They truly deserve this substantial wage rise.”
UNISON Homerton branch secretary Jordan Rivera said: “This victory is long overdue.
“These dedicated health workers have been going above and beyond for years, taking on clinical duties without proper recognition or pay.
“Their campaigning means they’ve now secured both.”
Notes to editors:
– *Clinical support workers, including healthcare assistants, maternity care assistants and rehabilitation assistants.
– Clinical support workers at Homerton NHS Trust were moved to band 3 from 1 March 2025. They have received 3 years 5 months worth of backpay in their July pay packets. The amount was calculated using UNISON’s preferred method, which ensures that no deductions were made for unsocial hours previously worked.
– Band 2 clinical support workers should only undertake personal care duties, according to NHS guidance.
– Since 2021, more than 40,000 healthcare workers in England and Wales have received around £162m in back pay and more than £64m in salary increases as part of UNISON’s fair pay for patient care campaign.
– 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.
– Healthcare support worker quotes:
Rehabilitation assistant Nasima Begum said: “This back pay is more than just numbers on a payslip. After working through Covid and everything we’ve been through, this win feels like a moment of dignity restored. We’re proud of each other, proud of how we stood together, and proud of what we achieved with the backing of our union.”
Healthcare assistant Raheem Dabiri said: “It’s been a long road, but in the end, it’s been worth all the sweat and hard work. It’s gratifying to see that, finally, all our years of hard work and dedication are being recognised.”
Media contact:
Rosie Sammut M: 07958 063188 E: r.sammut@unison.co.uk
