What did the employment appeal tribunal rule regarding the Great Ormond Street hospital cleaners?

The tribunal upheld the cleaners' appeal, accepting their claim of indirect race discrimination due to delays in receiving NHS pay and conditions after their contracts transferred.

Who was involved in the race discrimination case at Great Ormond Street hospital?

The case involved 80 cleaners, predominantly from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and Great Ormond Street hospital.

What are the implications of the tribunal's ruling on NHS workforces?

The ruling may signal the end of two-tier workforces in the NHS, as such delays in pay and conditions are deemed unlawful race discrimination.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cleaners Win Discrimination Fight at London Hospital

Cleaners Win Discrimination Fight at London Hospital

23 Jan

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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.

Cleaners Win Discrimination Fight at London Hospital

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.