Frontline NHS hospital ward clerks vote to strike

Ward clerks at Scotland’s largest health board have voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay and grading.

Almost all (98%) of the administrators were balloted by the Unison trade union, which says it follows “years of delays” in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s review of their roles.

Frances Carmichael, Unison branch secretary, told STV News the role of a ward clerk has evolved greatly over the years – but pay hasn’t kept up.

“It’s grown a lot bigger, they’ve got more responsibility,” she said.

Ward clerks who are members of the Unison trade union gathered outside the QEUH. STV News

“They’re doing a lot of administration work that would normally be picked up by doctors and nursing staff, so we need that to be recognised – because their knowledge base has grown and the systems have all changed, so that needs to be reflected.”

Unison says these clerks – most of whom are women – should have their pay upgraded.

Their duties include organising appointments, co-ordinating patient transport and acting as a point of contact for patients, relatives and staff.

Ms Carmichael added: “We’ve been in negotiation for some time now to get their job re-evaluated but we’ve had a stalling point and it’s taken a few years.

“Our ward clerks have now said enough is enough, and we have balloted for industrial action – hopefully it’ll bring the employer back to the table to listen to exactly what we’ve got to say.”

Frances Carmichael, UNISON branch organiser STV News

Unison says strike action by ward clerks would affect every hospital in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The dispute could lead to delays in processing essential paperwork, ordering equipment and coordinating administrative tasks, adds the union.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde greatly values the work of our ward clerks and remain committed to working in partnership with them to deliver a high-quality service to our patients.

“We continue to meet with trade unions as we seek a resolution to these matters.

“As an accredited Real Living Wage employer, NHSGGC is committed to fair pay and, as a minimum, pays a wage that is independently calculated based on the cost of living.”