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19.03.2026 / News /

From Inequality to Recognition: 500 NHS Workers Win Collective Agreement  

“This means everything to us. It wasn’t easy, but now we finally have a voice — we’re no longer being pushed aside or ignored. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.” Nassaia Nkusi, Cleaner supervisor, at St Helier Hospital

More than 500 cleaners, porters and catering staff at St Helier and Epsom Hospitals have won a landmark collective agreement through their union, United Voices of the World (UVW), marking a major step forward in their fight for dignity and equality at work. 

The workers—most of them Black, brown and migrant—organised and joined UVW in their hundreds in 2025 after spending four years employed directly by the NHS but denied the pay, pensions and conditions of their colleagues on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts. After building their union and voting by 98% in favour of strike action, they forced their employer, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group (GESH), to negotiate. 

They have now secured full NHS terms and conditions, including fair pay, sick pay from day one, pensions, annual leave, and enhanced pay for nights and weekends. Alongside this, the new collective agreement ensures they will have an ongoing, organised voice at work. 

The agreement sets up regular meetings between workers and management, guarantees union representation in disciplinary and grievance processes, and ensures staff are consulted on workplace changes that affect their jobs and livelihoods. It also provides paid time for union representatives, strengthening workers’ ability to stand up for each other. 
 
“This means everything to us. It wasn’t easy, but now we finally have a voice — we’re no longer being pushed aside or ignored. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. This victory is the result of our unity, our voices, and our hard work, and it will be felt across the whole hospital. I’ve worked here for 26 years, many people didn’t believe this was possible, but we proved them wrong. There were sleepless nights, but we kept going because we care deeply about this place — my children were born here. I’ve never been in a union before, but today I feel truly grateful. We now have recognition, we have strength, and with UVW standing with us, we will continue to fight for our rights. This is a huge achievement for all of us.” Nassaia Nkusi, Cleaner supervisor, at St Helier Hospital 

For many, this marks the end of years of inequality and invisibility within the NHS. The victory highlights the power of collective organising, with workers coming together to demand respect, security, and a real say over their working conditions.  

If you want to build power in your workplace, talk to your co-workers and get in touch here.

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