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Further strikes planned by Airedale NHS microbiology staff amid pay dispute

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 08:31

Airedale Hospital.

Industrial action involving microbiology staff at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is set to continue this month following an ongoing pay dispute.

The workers, who carry out diagnostic testing for hospitals and GP services, are represented by the union Unite.

According to Unite, the dispute centres on concerns that microbiology staff are employed on a lower pay band than the duties they carry out would normally attract.

The union has also raised concerns about increased workloads following additional services being taken on for another NHS trust, along with changes to out-of-hours rotas which it says were introduced without consultation.

Staff previously took strike action between the 18th and 25th of December.

Further strikes are scheduled from the 9th to the 11th of February and again from the 18th to the 20th of February.

Unite has said the action may result in delays to some diagnostic testing at Airedale General Hospital and for local GP services.

Unite regional officer Chris Daly said the union believes the situation will continue unless a revised pay offer is made.

“The trust cannot keep burying its head in the sand – strikes will not end until a deal that rectifies the pay injustice microbiology workers are suffering is put forward.

"Industrial action can still be avoided but that will require the trust to offer a fair deal.”

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has not yet issued a public response to the latest strike announcement.

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