Key workers at Croydon Hospital no longer getting sick pay if they get Covid

By Tara O’Connor, local democracy reporter

 

Cleaners and porters at Croydon University Hospital could soon strike as a dispute over sick pay rages on.

The hospital workers employed by external company G4S claim they are not being paid when they are off ill with Covid-19.

The row came to a head when sick pay for staff off work with Covid was withdrawn, they claim.

It comes after dozens of staff protested outside the hospital on January 31, pictured above.

The GMB union claims staff were given full sick pay after testing positive for Covid-19 for a time – but it now knows of staff who test positive but are only receiving the basic statutory sick pay from the government of £96 a week.

But G4S disputes this, claiming employees get full sick pay when they have Covid-19.

One cleaner, who wanted to remain anonymous, said “This is just the beginning” [of action].

They said: “G4S isn’t listening to the workers so the only way is to strike. Thirty of my colleagues have already said they will do it.

“I don’t think they realise how important we are, our job has become more important and there has been more to do [during the pandemic].

“I feel that this is the beginning, we have a long way to go.”

Helen O’Connor, GMB organiser, said the current situation “simply cannot continue”.

She said: “Our members are determined to fight hard to get the Covid sick pay they deserve and ensure hospital patients are kept safe from cross infection.

“These workers have already won huge support from the public and other staff groups in the trust – doctors are offering their support too.

“Our members are growing in confidence and we have told the trust this problem isn’t going away until the dispute is properly resolved.”

A spokesperson for G4S said: “The well-being of our staff is paramount. Our employees receive sick pay as per their contractual terms and in line with all Government and Government and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service guidelines. Employees who have not been able to attend work due to Covid-19 have received full pay.

“There has been no change to the overtime arrangements for our staff at Croydon Hospital.”

Croydon University Hospital was contacted for comment.