The staff are employed by a subsidiary company, owned by the trust, and have seen their wages and conditions ‘steadily slip' behind NHS rates.

However, a new agreement ensures they will receive the same pay and benefits as people they work alongside.

The workers were transferred to NTH Solutions, a subsidiary company, owned by the trust. Their existing terms and conditions were protected, but new staff were subsequently hired on inferior contracts, with lower unsocial hours payments, reduced leave and no access to the NHS Pension Scheme.

Staff began campaigning in August 2025 to end the inequality and secure NHS terms and conditions for all employees, including access to the pension scheme. After mounting pressure, the trust agreed to negotiate with the union. As a result, the trust has agreed to move all NTH Solutions employees to the same conditions as NHS staff.

In a consultation, NTH Solutions workers voted 'overwhelmingly' to accept the deal.

Unison Northern regional secretary, Clare Williams, said: ‘These workers keep hospitals safe, clean and functioning every day and their contribution is vital. It's only right they're treated the same way as their colleagues at the trust.

‘This agreement ends an unnecessary divide and ensures everyone doing vital NHS work is treated with the dignity and respect they've earned.'

Rachael Metcalf, chief people officer at the trust, said: ‘We have worked in partnership with our colleagues at NTH Solutions and Unison to agree this positive outcome. We will now continue with our consultation with the wider team.'