Green Party councillors on Bradford Council have called on bosses at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust to end the unfair two-tier system which leaves some of the lowest-paid hospital workers on worse pay and conditions than their colleagues.
In 2017, hundreds of porters, domestics, catering, security, and facilities staff were transferred from the Trust into its subsidiary company, AGH Solutions. Those who transferred kept NHS pay and benefits, but new recruits since then have been hired on inferior contracts – despite doing the same work.
This means two people working side-by-side at Airedale hospital can be on very different terms, with AGH Solutions staff receiving lower pension contributions, fewer days of annual leave, and worse weekend pay enhancements.
Speaking for the Green Party councillors, Councillor Janet Russell, ward councillor for Craven where Airedale Hospital is located, said:
“We stand with Airedale’s frontline workers in their call for fairness. The Trust must recognise their responsibility to the staff who keep the hospital running, and ensure NHS pay for NHS work. A hospital cannot function without these workers – they deserve parity with their colleagues.”
Councillors also warn that many of the workers who joined after 2017 face long-term financial insecurity due to weaker pensions and lower pay progression, with knock-on impacts on their families, housing prospects, and the local economy.
“It is short-sighted and unjust,” added Councillor Caroline Whitaker. who also represents Craven Ward.
“By denying some staff the same pay and pensions, the Trust is creating inequality that stretches far beyond the hospital gates. Bradford and Craven’s economy relies on fair wages and secure jobs – and this two-tier system undermines that.”
Green councillors are supporting GMB members’ campaign to harmonise contracts for staff who have been contracted out with other staff at Airedale Hospital. They are urging the Trust Board and AGH Solutions leadership to negotiate a fair settlement and end the injustice.