The workers who deal with urgent and routine blood tests as well as wider diagnostic work for patients plans are striking on 714-18 September, 21-25 September and 28 September-2 October.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused The Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust of acting like a ‘rogue employer' and ignoring the findings of an employment tribunal.

Graham said: ‘The fact that staff receive less money when they take leave is a disgrace and against the findings of a tribunal. Our members won't stand for such behaviour and will continue to take strike action to showcase their anger.'

A Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said the tribunal was held when the service was run by East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The service was taken over by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with the formation of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Pathology Service on 1 April 2026.

The spokesperson added: ‘Having taken advice from NHS England and NHS Employers regarding the concerns raised about holiday pay calculations, we're confident that our current approach is correct and that there is no detriment to employees' pay.

‘Despite this clarification, we are disappointed that the industrial action continues, particularly given the ongoing impact on patients and services.

‘Our focus remains on maintaining safe services for patients. We are working with NHS partners and external providers to maximise testing capacity and minimise disruption as much as possible.'