Your Skipton Radio

4:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Ronan Keating

When You Say Nothing At All

Listen Live Podcasts

Airedale Hospital workers to strike and dates announced

Friday, 29 August 2025 17:35

Porters, domestics, catering and security staff will walk out in September over pay

Airedale hospital workers have voted to strike in anger at two-tier workforce structure.

Porters, domestics, catering and security staff will walk out over the fact they get worse terms and conditions than colleagues working at the same hospital.

The workers have been outsourced to AGH Solutions (AGHS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

AGHS uses its subsidiary status to not honour the NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions, including NHS pensions, sick pay rates, annual leave and Sunday working enhancements.

The workers want parity for everyone working across the trust.

More than 90 per cent of those who voted said they were ready to take industrial action which is scheduled for 12, 15 and 16 of September - with more dates set to follow.

Joe Wheatley, GMB Organiser, said:

"These workers are absolutely vital for Airedale Hospital to operate safely.

"It's outrageous that they are treated like second class citizens.

"These workers will walk out with heavy hearts - Airedale and AGHS must now recognise how important they are and give them the same pay, terms and conditions as the rest of the workforce."

More from Local news

Skipton's longest running opticians expands to Ilkley

A long-established Skipton optician has announced a change in ownership alongside the launch of a new practice in Ilkley.
Care group's projects shortlisted for Bradford Cares Excellence Award

Two projects run by local care group Spellman Care have been named finalists in the Bradford Cares Excellence Awards.
Skipton residents urged to have their say on long-term transport plans

Residents, businesses and community groups across Skipton and Ripon are being encouraged to have their say on plans which could shape transport investment across York and North Yorkshire for the next 25 years.
Skipton boy to visit every RNLI station in teacher's memory

A 10-year-old Skipton boy and his family are aiming to visit every RNLI lifeboat station in memory of a much-loved primary school teacher.
Funding approved for Space Test Centre in Keighley

KEIGHLEY will boldly go where no Northern town has gone before after Council bosses agreed to £4.5m funding to help a US company set up a space testing centre in Keighley.
Skipton coach to run 200km from Liverpool to Leeds for mental health charity

A CrossFit coach based in Skipton is preparing to take on a 200km endurance challenge along the canal to raise money for a mental health charity.
Council officers facing "heavy workload" due to amounts of complaints about councillors

Council officers are continuing to face a "sustained heavy workload" dealing with complaints about the conduct of councillors in North Yorkshire.
Police appeal to locate wanted Minskip man

Police have launched an appeal to locate a wanted man who could be in the local area.
Silsden to host first community Jumble Trail this weekend

Silsden's first community Jumble Trail will take place this weekend, with nearly 40 households set to participate.
Councillors question if council-owned housebuilder will ever turn finances around

Concerned councillors have questioned whether North Yorkshire Council’s loss-making housing company will ever turn its finances around — despite a five-year recovery plan being drawn up.
Petition launched calling for Skipton-Settle bus service to be restored

A petition calling for the return of an hourly bus service between Skipton and Settle has been launched following changes to the 580 timetable.
Nandos to open branch in Keighley

The new Keighley branch of an international food chain is expected to open by the end of the year.
Quiz champions retain title at Addingham Village Quiz

The Swan have retained their title as Addingham Village Quiz champions after another evening of competition at Addingham Memorial Hall.
Embsay pub raise over £3,000 for hospice charity

An Embsay community coffee morning has raised an impressive £3,173 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in memory of two much-loved local men.
Residents offered free 'life-saving' blood pressure checks

Residents across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to take advantage of free blood pressure checks this week.
Plans submitted for new pump track in Pateley Bridge

Plans have been submitted to replace an existing BMX track in Pateley Bridge with a new purpose-built pump track designed to cater for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.
Council plans £18million expansion of temporary housing

North Yorkshire Council is proposing to invest £18 million in providing more temporary homes for people facing homelessness.
North Yorkshire Yarn Trail to include Skipton in map

Yarn lovers will be able to explore independent shops and businesses across North Yorkshire this month as the North Yorkshire Yarn Trail takes place from Saturday 12th September to Sunday 27th September.
Grief support group to launch in Skipton

A new peer-led support group for adults living with grief is launching in Skipton this Saturday (12th September), offering a welcoming space for people to come together and share their experiences.
Skipton vintage bus day returns for 20th anniversary

A fleet of more than 25 vintage buses and coaches will take to the roads of Skipton next month as the town's popular Vintage Bus Running Day returns for its 20th anniversary.