An overwhelming majority (98%) of members, including porters and cleaners, have backed plans for an industrial action ballot, which is set to open in the coming weeks.

The NHS foundation trusts – Dorset HealthCare University, Dorset County Hospital, and University Hospitals Dorset – want to move the mainly low-paid support workers to a wholly-owned subsidiary company, or subco.

Unison says these workers fear they'll receive inferior pay and conditions, and be unable to access career opportunities available to NHS employees if they're contracted out to an external operator.

The staff affected are currently employed at hospitals across Dorset, including Dorset County, Royal Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Weymouth.

South West regional secretary, Kerry Baigent, said: ‘The NHS depends on these workers to keep hospitals clean, safe and running efficiently. Many are already low-paid and outsourcing will leave them with a raw deal.

‘Porters, cleaners and other staff want to be part of the NHS, working as one team to give patients the best care possible, but this move casts valuable employees out to an arms-length company with no guarantee over pay and conditions.'

She added: ‘The NHS needs to be rebuilt, not dismantled and parcelled off to the lowest bidder. The government needs to honour its pledge to insource public services.

‘This plan by these trusts goes against Labour's manifesto promise. It makes support staff feel they're not valued – and they won't be treated in this way.

‘The use of outsourcing – under whatever guise – will continue to be resisted.'

In response, a joint statement from University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare, said: ‘Staff working in estates, facilities management, procurement and sterile services are highly valued colleagues and absolutely central to the provision of safe, effective patient care. 

‘We are committed to engaging with them to protect services across Dorset and maintain long-term security for staff. Any new NHS company would be 100% owned by Dorset County Hospital, Dorset HealthCare and University Hospitals Dorset.'