What: DSFS workers demonstrating against Unite derecognition plans

When: Thursday 29 May from 11:00 to 13:00

Where: Main entrance of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, S44 5BL

Unite members at Derbyshire Support and Facilities Services (DSFS) will demonstrate against union busting tactics by their employer in Chesterfield on Thursday (29 May).

DSFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust. It provide services including cleaning, catering and portering for the North Derbyshire Hospital and employ around 900 workers.

Although not officially part of the National Health Service, DSFS had mirrored NHS pay rises until 2024-2025 when it broke with the NHS and imposed its own pay rise.

Unite led a campaign alongside Unison to retain pay parity with the NHS. The unions and management negotiated an agreement which both groups of members accepted and the back pay for this deal was paid this month.

Unite had been preparing a pay claim for 2025-2026 and was awaiting a meeting with Unison to finalise this before submitting it to DSFS.

However in the meantime the firm's interim CEO sent a letter to Unite stating it would be derecognising the union as of 12 June without any negotiations.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is an shameful attempt by DSFS to derecognise Unite due to it being a successful union that wins for workers.

"It is union busting, pure and simple, and we will not allow it. Unite will stand by our members every step of the way to ensure they will be represented by their preferred union at work."

DSFS claim they do not believe there are many members of Unite employed by it, something Unite disputes. Unite East Midlands has also written to DSFS calling on them to reverse this decision.

Unite regional secretary Paresh Patel said: "This decision is an unfair and unreasonable attack on our members. Derecognition is an extreme measure, reserved for anti-union employers and is not what you would expect in the NHS.

"Unite hopes that this can be resolved quickly but is prepared to fight with all it has to ensure our members continue to have their voice at work and the freedom to organise in the way they wish. Tomorrow's demo is just the start."

ENDS

Notes to editors 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org