Striking staff extend action further into June

Medical staff who take blood samples have extended their current strike, which has now reached its 70th day.

Phlebotomists – staff who specialise in taking blood samples – at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital first contacted Kevin McNamara, chief executive, in September 2024 to raise concerns about pay, UNISON said.

The union said Mr McNamara still has not met the phlebotomists, who make 15p above minimum wage at £12.36 per hour, and that the strike will now continue up to 22 June.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been approached for comment, but previously said it "would like to sit down with the union and work this through".