HUNDREDS of outsourced NHS workers employed by Serco in London are to be consulted on industrial action in a dispute over pay, Unite confirmed yesterday.

The ballot, which opens on Monday and runs until December 8, will consult ancillary staff, including cleaners and porters, at Royal London Hospital, Whipps Cross and St Barts — all run by Barts Health NHS Trust.

The mainly black, Asian and ethnic minority staff, who are paid up to 15 per cent less than in-house staff, are fighting back against the “draconian use of the company’s sickness and disciplinary policies, bullying by management and unmanageable workloads,” Unite said.

After the ballot was announced, Serco confirmed that its current contract with the trust will end in April 2023.

Calling for all services to be brought back in-house, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “There must be no more contracts for outsourcing privateers that put profit before people.”

Trust chief executive Shane Degaris said: “We welcome assurances from Serco that there will be no disruption over the next 18 months as we consider future arrangements, which could include bringing some services back in-house.”

Serco was contacted for comment.