Specialist NHS staff who draw patients’ blood have now been on strike for an astonishing 236 days, a walkout that union leaders claim is the longest in NHS history.
The 36 phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust argue their skills justify a higher pay grade—an extra £1.09 an hour—but management has so far refused to budge.
Pay Dispute Sparks Industrial Action
These health workers say the clinical expertise required for phlebotomy should place them on a more senior NHS pay scale.
While other trusts have successfully regraded similar staff without strikes, Gloucestershire Hospitals remain firm in rejecting the demand.
According to Unison, raising the phlebotomists’ pay would cost just £60,000 a year—about a quarter of chief executive Kevin McNamara’s salary of £245,000.
Covering Shifts and Financial Strain
When the strike began on March 17, 37 phlebotomists walked out; now only one has returned.
Nurses and other hospital staff have been covering their shifts, but the striking staff are relying on union support that covers only a fraction of their usual wages.
With the strike continuing for over seven months, it is clear these workers are motivated more by principle than by immediate financial gain.
Union Leaders Voice Support
Christina McAnea, Unison general secretary, emphasized the skill required to calm anxious patients and perform blood draws safely.
“These essential workers are unfairly being paid the lowest rate in the NHS,” she said.
“The trust should stop being so bloody-minded and pay these dedicated staff what they’re due.”
Kerry Baigent, Unison’s South West regional secretary, added: “The phlebotomists are standing up not just for themselves, but for every health worker who’s been undervalued and overlooked.”
Ms. McAnea is set to join TUC general secretary Paul Nowak and other union leaders at a rally in Gloucester to support the striking phlebotomists.
Government and Trust Respond
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted that the Agenda for Change pay system is based on a nationally agreed Job Evaluation Scheme.
They noted that NHS organisations and unions must work together to implement it correctly.
Recent measures have been agreed to restore confidence in the scheme, they added.
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says it has repeatedly tried to resolve the dispute, including through Acas conciliation.
The trust offered a new band three healthcare support worker role for phlebotomy staff, with backdated pay to April 2025 and full training.
However, Unison insists on an enhanced job description to be evaluated by an external panel—an approach outside the standard national handbook.
Longest Strike in NHS History?
Unison claims this may be the longest NHS strike ever, though it cannot confirm the previous record. No other union has disputed the assertion.
For now, the standoff continues, with phlebotomists determined to have their skills recognized, even as the walkout stretches into its eighth month.f
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