Hospital cleaners, porters, housekeepers and security staff are take strike action again this week as hospital bosses press ahead with plans to privatise their jobs.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) wants to outsource the jobs of cleaners, porters, housekeepers and security staff working in its hospitals - a move which could affect more than 4,000 workers.

UNISON raised concerns over the trust's plans at an ESNEFT board meeting in July, presenting a petition signed by 1,578 people.

UNISON had handed a petition during the last board meeting.UNISON had handed a petition to the trust at the last board meeting. (Image: UNISON Eastern)

ESNEFT's board members considered the petition on Thursday and decided to continue to invite bids from private companies before making a final decision. 

Mr Nick Sammons saidMr Nick Sammons said that taking outsourcing off the table is not sensible or viable. (Image: ESNEFT)

Nick Sammons, director of estates and facilities at ESNEFT, said: "UNISON have explicitly stated that the only way to prevent further industrial action is to take outsourcing off the table. 

"We see that as a big ask in advance of us submitting and considering the full business case.

"Given the options being appraised and the fact that we already outsource our services in Ipswich to OCS, we do not believe that to be a sensible or viable option."

Mark Millar said that the board needs to look at what option provides the best value for the trust.Mark Millar said that the board needs to consider what option provides the best value for the trust. (Image: ESNEFT)

Board member Mark Millar added: "This move does engage people and it is understandable to see why, and we need to respect those views. In a way it is regrettable. 

"But we need to remember our responsibility as a board, and if we are going to continue to invest in all the wonderful things we do here, it is beholden on the board that we are getting the best value.

The services at Ipswich Hosptial are already outsourced to a private company called OCS.The services at Ipswich Hospital are already outsourced to a private company called OCS. (Image: Archant)

ESNEFT wants to outsource services at Colchester hospital and community sites such as Aldeburgh and Felixstowe hospitals and the rehabilitation clinic at Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich. 

Services at Ipswich Hospital are already outsourced to private company OCS although its contract is due to come to an end.

Union workers are unhappy about the trust's decision to press ahead and will strike again from September 10 to 15.

The trust will present its final business case at its next board meeting on November 7.