Health ombudsman staff vote to strike in ‘below-inflation’ pay dispute

Staff who make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS in England and UK Government departments and other public organisations have voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) at the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) backed industrial action by two to one.

The union said a pay rise of 2% had been imposed – the 10th consecutive below-inflation increase.

Some senior executives at the ombudsman have received a 4% pay rise, said the PCS.

General secretary Mark Serwotka (pictured) said: “Our members in the PHSO have not taken this decision lightly. They have tried to negotiate a fair deal. However management have shown utter contempt for their situation and imposed a pay cut on hardworking staff.

“Strike action is now a very real possibility unless management see sense and get back to negotiating a fair and just settlement.

“It is clear our members are being treated differently from top executives, despite being a key part of the PHSO.”

Around 200 employees based in London and Manchester are involved in the dispute.

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