More than 1,700 UNISON members across Dorset are escalating their campaign to remain within the NHS by launching a formal strike ballot against outsourcing proposals.
The ballot, which opened this week and runs until Tuesday 24 September, includes estates and facilities staff at Dorset HealthCare, Dorset County Hospital, and University Hospitals Dorset. Workers say they are determined to resist plans to transfer them into a wholly owned private company, known as SubCo.
Workers Warn of NHS Job Threat
The outsourcing plans affect porters, cleaners, security staff, caterers, and estates workers. Campaigners warn that moving staff to SubCo risks cutting them off from NHS terms and conditions, while new employees could be hired under inferior contracts.
Protests and Organising Efforts
Staff have already staged protests, marched into board meetings, and delivered a resounding YES vote in a previous consultative ballot. UNISON says this latest strike ballot marks a decisive step towards industrial action.
Union Leaders Speak Out
UNISON South West regional manager Jayne Jackson described the outsourcing threat as “the biggest danger to NHS staff in Dorset in decades.” She added: “Workers are saying loud and clear: we’re NHS and we’re staying NHS.”
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent reinforced the message, stressing that the campaign is worker-led and growing stronger daily. “Dorset trusts can still listen, but time is running out,” she warned. “Staff are ready to take action to defend jobs and protect the NHS from being broken apart.”
The outcome of the ballot could set the stage for one of the largest industrial actions by NHS workers in Dorset’s history.
