After sustained strike action and fresh negotiations in October, workers voted to accept a new deal that brings them closer to parity with their NHS colleagues.

From 1 November 2025, AGH staff will see improvements including:

• Full alignment on weekend enhancements, annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, and death-in-service benefits
• 50% sick pay boost this year
• Further 25% increase in sick pay next financial year, with discussions to reopen in 2027 on further improvements.

The deal means that a porter with five years' service will gain three extra days of annual leave, and Sunday pay will jump from 41% beyond base hourly pay, to 83%. Their sick pay will increase from 10 weeks full pay and 10 weeks half pay to 15 weeks full pay and 15 weeks half-pay.

The dispute continues at AGH solutions as workers are still fighting for their pension to be aligned with the NHS scheme.

Joe Wheatley, GMB organiser, said: ‘This is a fantastic win for Airedale workers and a crucial first step towards full NHS alignment, but the fight isn't over yet.

‘The trust and AGH Solutions must recognise the right of our members to a decent retirement that reflects their commitment to serving the community within our NHS.

‘GMB remain positive about upcoming negotiations, but members will not settle for anything less than a proposal that ends with full alignment to the NHS pension.'

In response, Dennis Kentrop, managing director of AGH Solutions, said: 'Following constructive negotiations, we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the GMB trade union and are now able to implement an improved offer on pay, terms and conditions for our colleagues from November.

'We remain committed to continually improving AGH Solutions Limited as a place to work and are open to further negotiations with the union regarding our pension offer, with the hopes of reaching a positive resolution.'