The threat of strikes at Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital of North Durham, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Chester le Street Community Hospital, has been lifted after health workers accepted an improved offer on back pay, says UNISON.
Hundreds of healthcare assistants employed by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust were due to walk out for 48 hours last week, but the action was put on hold to allow for fresh talks.
A new deal, which will see staff receive as much as £5,500 in back pay depending on length of service, was accepted by health workers today and the dispute has been resolved.
The healthcare assistants had been carrying out tasks – such as taking blood, performing electrocardiogram tests and inserting cannulas – that they said should’ve been paid at a higher hourly rate.
In 2024, the trust accepted the workers were performing duties above their role and they were regraded.
The level of back pay for extra work they’d already done remained a sticking point, but staff have now agreed to accept a revised offer.
UNISON Northern regional secretary Clare Williams said: “Striking is always a last resort, but healthcare assistants in Durham and Darlington felt they had no other choice.
“They’re delighted the trust has seen sense and come back with an improved offer to avoid any unnecessary disruption.
“Hospital staff are committed to their work and their patients and it’s only right they should be properly paid for their efforts.”