Low paid clean staff at a hospital have received a pay rise after a long time battle.

The 300 domestic staff members at Basildon Hospital had been on minimum wage after they were transferred to the NHS from private contractors, OCS two years ago.

Following pressure from Unison, the cleaners have won a three per cent pay rise backdated to April, and they will now be given full NHS contracts in December.

Sam Older, Unison's regional organiser praised Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Trust for “doing the right thing” after two years of campaigning.

He said: “This is great news for the hundreds of domestic workers unfairly denied a decent wage despite being directly employed by the NHS.

“This agreement doesn’t just mean more money in the pockets of these hard-working staff – who are absolutely vital to maintaining a safe and clean hospital environment – the sick pay means they won’t be forced to come into work when they’re unwell.

“Above all, it shows the importance of being in a union if you want to win and be treated fairly at work.”

A member of staff at the hospital who was involved in the campaigns, added: “It’s brilliant. Everyone was really negative and didn’t think this would happen, or that would at least take years.

“It’s definitely boosted morale. Staff deserve this.”