Unison says the deal, approved by 70% of affected staff, follows years of carrying out clinical duties ‘far beyond their job descriptions without appropriate pay or proper recognition'.

The union says healthcare support workers on band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale should be limited to personal care duties, such as feeding and washing patients, but in Nottingham many were routinely taking blood samples, fitting cannulas and carrying out electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, work that should be paid at band 3.

As part of the new agreement, all healthcare support workers have been regraded to band 3, ensuring a permanent wage boost, and lump-sum back pay will see staff receive up to £2,500 each, says Unison.

The workers had taken 28 days of strike action in support of their claim.

Unison East Midlands regional head of health, Gareth Eales, said: ‘It's a shame it took 30 days of strike action and the threat of strike action for the entire month of August to achieve this breakthrough, but the result speaks for itself.

'These dedicated staff can now be confident they're on the right grade, with the proper pay and respect they deserve. Unison looks forward to having a more positive relationship with the trust.'

The trust said: ‘We are pleased to confirm that an agreement in principle has been reached between Unison and NUH to resolve the long-running dispute with healthcare support workers.

‘In recognition of the vital contribution made by these colleagues, NUH will make a one-off retention payment to eligible staff employed on 1 April 2026. This offer reflects our shared view that healthcare support workers are a valued and essential group of colleagues. It is right to acknowledge their dedication and resilience.

‘We are pleased that this agreement in principle has been reached, and we will continue to maintain a positive partnership between staff, trade unions and management at the trust.'