Home / Crime and Justice / Cleaners Win Discrimination Fight at London Hospital
Cleaners Win Discrimination Fight at London Hospital
23 Jan
Summary
- Tribunal upheld race discrimination claim by 80 hospital cleaners.
- Cleaners faced unequal pay and conditions after contract transfer.
- Ruling could end two-tier workforces in NHS services.
An employment appeal tribunal has upheld a race discrimination claim brought by 80 cleaners at Great Ormond Street hospital. The cleaners, the majority of whom are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, had their appeal accepted in a four-year legal dispute. They claimed indirect race discrimination due to the delayed implementation of NHS 'Agenda for Change' (AfC) pay rates and conditions following the transfer of their contracts in 2021.
Previously employed by OCS Group UK Ltd, the cleaners earned the London living wage of £10.75 per hour. Upon transfer, they argued they were disadvantaged compared to directly employed, predominantly white, staff who were already on AfC rates of £11.50 and enjoyed superior terms. The United Voices of the World union stated the ruling confirms that prolonged waits for entitled pay and conditions constitute unlawful race discrimination.
Great Ormond Street hospital is currently reviewing the decision. If the hospital does not pursue a further appeal, the case is expected to proceed to discussions regarding financial compensation for the affected staff. It is understood that all relevant staff have now been offered NHS AfC terms.
