STRIKING hospital support workers will have to wait longer to find out if their jobs will outsourced after the decision was pushed back. 

A consultation is currently under way over transferring some jobs at Colchester Hospital from the NHS to the private sector.

Under plans drawn up by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust board, cleaners, porters and caterers’ jobs could be moved to a facilities management company called OCS.

The Unison union, which represents staff, says that would mean hundreds of jobs being “privatised” and is fighting against the proposals.

Workers had expected the decision would be made later this week at a trust board meeting after chief executive Nick Hulme said it would be discussed in November. 

But the trust has now confirmed to The Gazette the proposals will not be brought before the board until December. 

Location - Colchester HospitalLocation - Colchester Hospital (Image: Newsquest) Workers have been back on the picket line striking this week outside Colchester Hospital amid the ongoing row.

It follows strikes in August and September and a march through Colchester High Street in October.

Boss - Nick HulmeBoss - Nick Hulme (Image: Warren Page/Pagepix) The delay comes just days after a leaked video shared by the Health Service Journal, appeared to show Mr Hulme saying “there isn’t the opportunity to change that decision” and a decision to privatise the roles had already been made.

The trust has maintained a decision has not been made and it will be discussed at a trust board meeting on December 5, to allow more time for the “business case to be carefully considered in detail”.

March - NHS workers walking down Colchester's High Street in OctoberMarch - NHS workers walking down Colchester's High Street in October (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman said: “The trust is following due process in order to reach a decision as to how our soft facilities services will be provided in future.

“In line with the board’s decision in April 2024 to test the market and invite tenders from potential suppliers.  

“This process is being undertaken in order to deliver the best possible care and outcomes for patients in a safe environment and at the best value for taxpayers.

“As previously confirmed, the board has not yet made its final decision.”

Soft facilities NHS workers will be taking part in a protest between 9am to 12pm at Colchester Rugby Club, in Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester, on Thursday.