The workers have been moved up from Band 2 to Band 3 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale after six-month of negotiations.

Unison West Midlands regional organiser Claire Breeze said: ‘This is an incredible achievement for healthcare assistants at Worcestershire Acute Trust. For too long, staff were expected to take on demanding clinical responsibilities without the recognition or reward they deserved.

‘Now, thanks to their determination and solidarity, more than 1,000 healthcare assistants will receive the back pay they're owed and a permanent uplift to their wages.

‘This win means a fairer deal for staff, and ultimately better care for patients. It shows the power of union members standing together and sends a clear message NHS staff must always be properly valued.'

Ali Koeltgen, chief people officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘We have reached agreement with trade union partners and are now in consultation with eligible Band 2's regarding an uplift in pay to Band 3. These changes go some way to recognise the increasing complexity and responsibility involved in the day-to-day duties of the role of healthcare support workers in our hospitals and the significant contribution that colleagues in these roles make to caring for our patients.  The individual details of these pay arrangements remain confidential to the colleagues involved in this change.'