The workers in London have secured a ‘substantial' wage rise and will receive more than three years' back pay following a union campaign, says UNISON today (Tuesday).

The workers had been paid at band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, despite regularly performing clinical tasks that should be on a higher band 3 rate, says the union.

Staff working at Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had campaigned for many months to be paid fairly, including money for the extra work they have already done.

Following negotiations, the trust significantly improved its original offer, which workers have now accepted, says the union.

The offer is a success for Unison's national Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign, aimed at ensuring all band 2 staff with increased responsibilities are paid at the correct rate and compensated for band 3 work already carried out.

Unison London regional secretary Sara Gorton said: ‘This deal is a major step toward recognising, respecting and fairly rewarding the vital roles played by clinical support workers.

‘It's a hard-won victory. Their determination and persistence have finally paid off.  They truly deserve this substantial wage rise.'

Unison Homerton branch secretary, Jordan Rivera, said: ‘This victory is long overdue. These dedicated health workers have been going above and beyond for years, taking on clinical duties without proper recognition or pay. Their campaigning means they've now secured both.'

Homerton's chief people officer, Del Mehet, said: ‘This agreement reflects a shared commitment to fairness, recognition and partnership, and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together in the best interests of our people.

‘We are committed to continuing and building on this partnership working between the trust and our union colleagues as we move forward.'