Unite claimed the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) planned to axe over 330 posts as part of a £25m cost cutting plan, however, the trust said the likelihood of any redundancies remained low, as it had deployed a significant number of staff this year. The trust said redundancies ‘would only ever be considered as a last resort'.
The ballot for industrial action runs until 9 November. If successful, widespread strike action could take place throughout this winter.
The ballot also concerns the removal of a Unite branch secretary, a dispute over the care navigator position and the wider issue of low NHS pay.
Unite regional officer Gary Boodhna said: ‘Over the past two years, ELFT has cut nearly £70m from frontline services. Further cuts can only harm staff and patients. Now is the time to stand up for our NHS and the life-saving services it provides.
‘On the frontline we are seeing record levels of staff burnout. We cannot meet ever-increasing demand with ever-dwindling resources. The trust needs to change course, stop the cuts and give us the investment we need to provide a comprehensive health service.'HS trust workers balloted over strike action
Health workers, including mental health nurses, psychologists, health care assistants, and administrative workers, are being balloted over strike action.
Unite claimed the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) planned to axe over 330 posts as part of a £25m cost cutting plan, however, the trust said the likelihood of any redundancies remained low, as it had deployed a significant number of staff this year.
The trust said redundancies ‘would only ever be considered as a last resort'.
The ballot for industrial action runs until 9 November. If successful, widespread strike action could take place throughout this winter.
The ballot also concerns the removal of a Unite branch secretary, a dispute over the care navigator position and the wider issue of low NHS pay.
Unite regional officer Gary Boodhna said: ‘Over the past two years, ELFT has cut nearly £70m from frontline services. Further cuts can only harm staff and patients. Now is the time to stand up for our NHS and the life-saving services it provides.
‘On the frontline we are seeing record levels of staff burnout. We cannot meet ever-increasing demand with ever-dwindling resources. The trust needs to change course, stop the cuts and give us the investment we need to provide a comprehensive health service.'
