Over 70 hospitality workers at Sussex University have secured access to full sick pay following a two year campaign by their union Unite.

The workers are employed by Chartwells, the outsourced catering contractor for Sussex University and were only previously entitled to statutory sick pay when off work due to illness or injury.

Following Unite’s campaign Chartwells has agreed to pay full sick pay while workers are off ill in line with other campus staff. This is a significant win as workers are no longer placed in financial jeopardy when off work nor do they feel compelled to come to work when unwell.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent win for our hospitality members at Chartwells who through being organised have secured a significant win on sick pay.

“This deal on sick pay demonstrates how through working together there is power in a union.”

Unite rep Laurie McMahon said: “This is a really important step forward for our members in securing parity on sick pay with other campus staff. For the first time members have a degree of financial stability when off sick.

“This agreement sets a benchmark about what it is possible for hospitality workers to achieve provided they are organised and backed by Unite.”

ENDS
 
Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.