I am delighted the Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust have come to their senses and will no longer be outsourcing hundreds of staff all local people living in our communities.  This is a  decision I have campaigned strongly for with the support of the other the Labour MPs in Tees Valley. I welcome this news and congratulate the staff and trade unions on their victory in persuading the trust to reconsider and to drop these plans.

Here is he press release issued by UNISON.

Trust’s decision to halt outsourcing plans is a ‘fantastic victory’, says UNISON

Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust has reversed its decision to outsource NHS staff to a wholly owned subsidiary, UNISON has announced today (Thursday).

The proposal would have seen around 600 employees, including maintenance workers, porters, housekeepers and caterers outsourced to the private company Tees Esk and Wear Valleys Estates FM Limited.

UNISON voiced concerns, claiming the plans would be a move away from national Agenda for Change terms and conditions of employment, which would affect holiday entitlement and sick pay.

Labour MPs in Tees Valley also threw their weight behind the campaign against the proposal.

UNISON regional secretary Clare Williams said: “This is a fantastic victory for us, and for the dedicated NHS staff who have been tangled up in the issue. We thank local Labour MPs for their support during this campaign.

“This decision will allow the trust to retain experienced workers. They now have the assurance that all parts of the service are valued equally, working as one team to provide the best possible care for patients.”

Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough said: “I am delighted the trust have come to their senses and will no longer be outsourcing hundreds of staff all local people living in our communities.  This is a  decision I have campaigned strongly for with the support of the other the Labour MPs in Tees Valley. I welcome this news and congratulate the staff and trade unions on their victory in persuading the trust to reconsider and to drop these plans.

Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Trust porter Ivor Meek said: “When I heard the news I was over the moon. I’m absolutely made up with the decision.

“I was really worried about my pay and terms and conditions if I went over to the new company.

“I’m so grateful for the support of UNISON who have been brilliant all the way through.”

ENDS