Band 2 Healthcare Support Workers* employed by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust have been performing duties above their band for a number of years – these additional clinical duties should be paid at Band 3.
UNISON has been campaigning to ensure you’re correctly banded and paid fairly for the work you do. After months of determined negotiations, we now have an offer from your employer, and we’re asking you to vote to accept or reject it. The next steps will be based on the majority vote (e.g., if over 50% of members vote to accept or reject, we will communicate the outcome to the employer).
The Trust believes this is a fair offer. If the offer is rejected, we will ask the Trust to enter back into negotiations with us. If talks break down, we may move to a formal dispute process, which could include an industrial action ballot where we would be asking you to take part in strike action. This is a serious step, so we need to understand what you’re prepared to do in this situation.
While the Trust are carrying out their own consultation, Unison members get to vote in UNISON’s ballot. As the only union negotiating directly with the Trust on this offer, and as a member-led union, this is your opportunity to shape the outcome.
It’s important we hear from everyone. Please review the full details of the offer and cast your vote.
The Offer:
All band 2 HCSWs doing band 3 duties will be re-banded to band 3. Those with 2+ years service will be moved to the top of the band 3 pay spine
Back pay for Band 2 HCSWs undertaking Band 3 duties from 1 August 2021
Back pay eligible for those who held substantive HCSW posts and have since moved roles
HCSW bank roles to be paid at Band 3 in line with substantive duties
Pay protection for unsocial hours worked at a band 3, where the band 2 rates are higher
What’s not included:
As part of this offer, the Trust intends to deduct the difference in unsocial hours pay from the total backpay owed. This is because the Band 2 unsocial hours rate is higher than the band 3 rate – and the Trust has applied the Band 3 rate when calculating backpay. The Trust has stated that deductions will be capped, meaning no HCSW will owe money back to the Trust.
However, UNISON’s position is that no deductions should be made at all, and these earnings should be fully protected. You must consider this when voting.
Bank staff are excluded from the back pay element of the offer as they are not on the same Agenda for Change terms & conditions as substantive staff.
Please ensure you vote by 13 August 2025 to have your say.
Ballot papers have been emailed to members. Contact the branch if you have not received yours.
Find out more here: