The workers, represented by union United Voices of t3 World, were brought in-house four years ago, but were not moved to Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts.

The union says as a result they were shut out of sick pay from day one, weekend and night enhancements, full annual leave and proper pension contributions, losing millions in pay, sick leave and other entitlements. The union claims the workers had repeatedly requested NHS terms and conditions but 'were ignored'.

The new deal brings them onto full NHS terms and conditions and restores their length-of-service rights, which impacts both their annual leave and sick pay entitlements.

The union said: ‘The deal was won through workers' courage and the credible threat of strike action. After years of being ignored and underpaid, they pushed the trust to treat them as equals.

'The strike mandate remains live to ensure the employer honours the agreement, and the fight for backpay continues, including potential legal action.'

In response, a spokesperson for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and our board has taken decisive action to end an historical arrangement that left some of our people paid different rates for doing similar work.

‘We will now consult with our porters, cleaners, catering and patient transport colleagues on our proposals to move towards NHS Agenda for Change, with a pay rise of more than £2,000 and increased annual leave starting from April 2026.'