UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union, has warned facilities firm Mitie that it could face legal action if it fails to address allegations of underpaying over 20 NHS staff across nine sites. The affected staff, who were initially employed by OCS before being transferred to Mitie in August, have been underpaid for months, leaving some of them struggling to meet basic living expenses and health treatment costs.
The underpayments allegedly began in June when the staff were employed by OCS, and the problem reportedly continued when they were transferred to Mitie in August. According to UNISON, some staff are now almost £1,000 out of pocket, with one worker, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, owed nearly £750. This has resulted in extreme financial hardship, with staff struggling to find the money to cover essential costs such as food, bills, and transport to vital health treatment sessions.
The situation is particularly dire for the worker undergoing chemotherapy, who is reportedly owed nearly £750. This amount is crucial for the worker’s treatment, as they need to cover the cost of transport to their treatment sessions. The delay in payment has caused significant stress and anxiety, making it difficult for the worker to focus on their health and recovery.
The underpayments have not only affected the staff’s financial well-being but also their mental health. One Mitie worker, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of disciplinary action, told UNISON: “It’s not just affecting me, my whole family are feeling the impact. I’m exhausted and stressed beyond belief. I had to have a home visit from the mental health team. We deserve to be paid fully and fairly.” This worker’s experience is not unique, as many of the affected staff are struggling to cope with the financial and emotional burden of the underpayments.
UNISON has been providing financial support to the affected staff and has warned Mitie that if the company fails to rectify the situation, all options will be considered to recover the money owed. Rebecca Lumberg, UNISON North West regional organiser, said: “Mitie’s refusal to pay these already low-paid staff what they’re owed is damaging their mental health and pushing many of them to the brink financially. Employers should pay staff properly. If Mitie refuses to rectify this appalling situation, then UNISON will consider any available options to get their money back.”
The affected staff work across nine NHS sites, including Irwell Medical Centre, Darwen Health Centre, St Peters Health Centre, Rossendale Health Centre, Barbara Castle Health Centre, Briercliffe Health Centre, Yarnspinners Health Centre, Accrington PALS, and Accrington Acorn. These sites are part of a contract between the Department of Health’s community health partnerships and Mitie.
The contract between the Department of Health and Mitie is meant to provide essential services to the NHS, but the underpayments have raised serious concerns about the company’s ability to manage its workforce. The fact that the underpayments have continued for months, despite the transfer of staff from OCS to Mitie, suggests a lack of accountability and transparency in the company’s payroll system.
Furthermore, the underpayments have also raised questions about the Department of Health’s oversight of its contractors. The department has a responsibility to ensure that its contractors are treating their staff fairly and paying them correctly. The fact that the underpayments have been allowed to continue for so long suggests that the department may not be doing enough to monitor its contractors and protect the rights of NHS staff.
In addition to the financial and emotional impact on the affected staff, the underpayments have also had a broader impact on the NHS as a whole. The NHS relies on the dedication and hard work of its staff to provide high-quality care to patients. However, the underpayments have created a sense of mistrust and betrayal among the affected staff, which could have long-term consequences for staff morale and retention.
Mitie’s failure to address the underpayments has also damaged its reputation and credibility as a responsible employer. The company’s refusal to pay its staff correctly has raised serious questions about its commitment to fairness and transparency. If Mitie is unable to rectify the situation, it could face legal action and reputational damage that could have long-term consequences for its business.
In conclusion, the underpayments of NHS staff by Mitie are a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. The affected staff have been struggling to cope with the financial and emotional burden of the underpayments, and it is imperative that Mitie takes responsibility for its actions and pays its staff correctly. The Department of Health also has a role to play in ensuring that its contractors are treating their staff fairly and paying them correctly. If not addressed, the underpayments could have long-term consequences for the NHS and its staff.