Dozens of infection control workers at Guys and St Thomas' Hospital are preparing to strike for five days starting February 24, 2025, due to poor working conditions.

The strike is fueled by a lack of engagement with the union regarding the use of harmful cleaning chemicals and a continued reliance on bank staff instead of hiring permanent employees.

Many of these workers come from BAME backgrounds and are among the lowest paid within the NHS, despite their crucial role during the COVID pandemic.

Reported grievances include inadequate rest areas, poorly ventilated facilities, and disparities in amenities compared to senior staff.

The rapid response team, which is responsible for ultra cleans in highly infectious areas, feels undervalued and mistreated by Guys and St Thomas's NHS Trust.

Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed highlighted that previous strike actions were postponed to facilitate negotiations, but the lack of progress has necessitated this new strike.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, underscored the essential role of these workers in controlling disease outbreaks, asserting that they deserve humane working conditions.

The impending strike could lead to the closure of highly infectious sections within the hospital, which may disrupt patient admissions and scheduled operations.