Management at the Great Western Hospital have reportedly banned overtime rate pay for staff in a bid to cut back on costs.

It has been reported that the NHS hospital has tightened up on what it will pay staff for outside their usual hours, at a higher rate, and have advised employees wanting to work extra hours to sign up to bank contracts.

Bank contracts are essentially zero-hour contracts which allows a worker to undertake periods of work with an employer.

The contracts are designed so that the worker is under no obligation to take work and the employer is under no obligation to provide work.

But many are unhappy to have to sign up to these contracts, which pay at a much lower rate than with overtime.

Wiltshire and Avon Health Branch UNISON say they have not been consulted over the decision and strongly oppose it, due to the lower rates of pay being offered. 

An organiser for the Trust confirmed the hospital has removed overtime in several departments, but it is still available in theatres, radiology and cardiology.

A spokesperson for the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Like all NHS Trusts, we are working hard to reduce the amount of money we spend every day.

“Among the steps we have taken to do this is to introduce greater control over the use of temporary staff and overtime in areas where it is not needed.

"Additionally, following our investment in our workforce, the need for temporary staffing and use of overtime to ensure safe levels of staffing on our wards has reduced.

“Where overtime is necessary in order to maintain safe levels of patient care, staff can continue to book overtime in accordance with national Agenda for Changes terms and conditions for NHS staff, provided it has been agreed by a line manager or team leader.

“We continue to discuss both financial and workforce challenges with staff at monthly meetings attended by representatives from recognised unions.”

A spokesperson for UNISON South West said: “UNISON was not consulted over this decision, and we have informed the Trust that we oppose any form of overtime ban.

“A ban on overtime will directly impact the livelihoods of staff, as the rates of pay for bank shifts are notably lower than those for overtime work.

“UNISON is committed to standing up for the rights of healthcare workers. We encourage the Trust to reconsider and work with us to find a solution.”