Hospital cleaners, porters, housekeepers and security staff are taking strike action again this week fighting to stop their jobs being privatised.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) is considering proposals 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.

As a result, members associated with UNISON have decided to strike on Monday and Tuesday across ESNEFT sites including community centres in Felixstowe, Aldeburgh and Ipswich.

While the strike will not affect Ipswich Hospital since the services are already privatised there, members are demonstrating outside the Heath Road site today.

ESNEFT say they will ensure that the amount of disruption for patients remains at a minimum.

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. 

A spokesperson from ESNEFT reiterated no final decision has yet been made regarding services.

"It is the Trust’s responsibility and overriding priority to deliver the best possible care and outcomes for patients in a safe environment and at the best value for money for taxpayers.

"At a time when the local NHS is under significant and mounting pressure – and while we are still in discussion with trades union representatives and other stakeholders - it is difficult to see how a further period of industrial action will benefit local patients and their families. 

"As previously, we are working to ensure that cover is in place across the range of services affected while some of our soft facilities staff take part in lawful industrial action.

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

The trust is set to present its business case and take a final decision on privatising services during its next board meeting on November 21.

On Saturday, over 200 people marched in Colchester to express their opposition to the privatisation plans. 

The union has also previously held 13 days of strikes on these grounds and handed a petition to the trust's board in July. 

The workers have striked for 13 days previously.The workers have had 13 days of strike action previously. (Image: UNISON Eastern)

An ESNEFT spokesperson said: "We are committed to keeping disruption to services to a minimum and our focus is on patient care and safety.

"Patients in affected hospitals may notice fewer facilities staff on our wards. Our nursing team, doctors, therapists and all other staff will continue to care for patients as usual."