The denial from the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust followed a report in the Swindon Advertiser that management at the Great Western Hospital had asked workers wanting to take on extra hours to sign up to bank contracts.

A UNISON South West spokesperson had told the newspaper that an overtime ban would ‘directly impact the livelihoods of staff, as the rates of pay for bank shifts are notably lower than those for overtime work'.

A trust spokesperson said: ‘Like all NHS Trusts, we are working hard to reduce the amount of money we spend every day.

‘Among the steps we have taken to do this is to introduce greater control over the use of temporary staff and overtime in areas where it is not needed.

‘Additionally, following our investment in our workforce, the need for temporary staffing and use of overtime to ensure safe levels of staffing on our wards has reduced.

‘Payments for overtime have not been banned, and where overtime is necessary in order to maintain safe levels of patient care, staff can continue to book overtime in accordance with national Agenda for Changes terms and conditions for NHS staff, provided it has been agreed by a line manager or team leader.

‘We continue to discuss both financial and workforce challenges with staff at monthly meetings attended by representatives from recognised unions.'