The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced its intention to move to a formal industrial action ballot of members at Barnsley NHS Foundation Trust, following escalating concerns over the use of “fire and rehire” following changes to breaks.
The decision comes after months of engagement with the trust regarding proposed changes to staff breaks, which would see midwives and maternity support workers working an additional seven hours a month due to longer unpaid breaks.
RCM members in Barnsley have made clear that these proposals are neither safe nor workable. Staff report they are already unable to take their existing breaks due to clinical pressures, raising serious concerns about the impact on both staff wellbeing and the safety of care provided to women and families.
Despite constructive efforts by trade unions to reach a compromise, including a negotiated proposal with mitigations, RCM members overwhelmingly rejected the deal in consultation.
The trust has now moved to a formal dismissal and re-engagement process, placing hundreds of staff at risk, including more than 100 working in maternity services.
A consultative ballot of RCM members showed strong support for escalation, with a clear majority backing a move to formal industrial action.
The RCM says the use of “fire and rehire” in the NHS is unacceptable and risks damaging trust, morale and ultimately patient care.
Lynne Galvin, RCM Regional Head for North of England, said: “Our members in Barnsley are being placed in an unfair and avoidable situation. They have engaged constructively throughout, but the trust has pressed ahead with plans that are unsafe, unworkable and deeply concerning.
“The threat of fire and rehire has no place in the workplace. It undermines staff, damages morale and risks the quality of care women, babies and families receive.
“That’s why we are now preparing to ballot our members for industrial action. Our priority is to bring the employer back to the table, secure a pause to this process and ensure safe, workable conditions for maternity staff.
“We remain committed to finding a resolution but will stand firmly behind our members if action is needed.”
The RCM will move to a formal industrial action ballot in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made at the RCM’s Activists Conference yesterday (Thursday 23 April), where members supported Barnsley colleagues with “No to fire and rehire” placards.
