Hundreds of Barnsley Hospital workers ready to strike

Hundreds of workers at Barnsley NHS Trust have said they are ready to strike after bosses threatened them with fire and rehire.

More than 600 workers took part in a consultative ballot - with 97 per cent voting in favour to taking strike action, on a turnout of more than 76 per cent.

The trust wants to impose new contracts upon thousands of staff, including nurses, technicians and clerical workers, removing their right to a paid twenty-minute shift break.

GMB has now lodged a formal dispute with the trust and will meet with reps to discuss next steps - including a full strike ballot - if the trust does not back down.

Rachel Dix, GMB Organiser, said:

"Hundreds of GMB members at Barnsley Hospital voted overwhelmingly for strike action if the trust does not stop this attack on removing paid breaks, increasing unpaid time at work.

"On the back of this incredible result - which has seen a dramatic spike in membership growth - GMB has lodged a collective dispute with the employer.

"We await their response, but our members are clear; they are prepared to take this all the way unless the hostile act of fire and rehire is halted and their breaks remain untouched."