Hospital porters could be set to strike after allegedly being told that they need to inform a manager when they need to use the toilet.

The 59 porters employed by University Hospitals Southampton are being balloted for strike action after "appalling levels of bullying and harassment", according to their union Unite.

The union said staff who have periods are required to inform management in order to be granted additional time.

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But hospital bosses deny the claims, insisting there is no requirement to obtain permission to take a bathroom break, and have commissioned an independent external review.

Unite said that porters who walk vast distances across the hospital premises, are denied breaks so they cannot drink water, even during high temperatures.

In addition, the union said management have removed chairs, so that porters are prevented from sitting down when waiting to move patients.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “The fact that Southampton hospital management thinks it is in any way acceptable to deny workers toilet and period dignity is shocking.

"Unite is fighting for a safe culture, safe staffing levels, and a safe working environment for the good of all patients and staff.”

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The industrial action ballot opened on Monday and closes on Monday, November 11, with walkouts possibly beginning next month should workers vote in favour of strikes.

But responding, Steve Harris, chief people officer at University Hospital Southampton, said: “Our portering service and colleagues are a valuable and intrinsic part of the successful running of UHS and all we do for patients.

“Prior to the ballot, having been made aware of portering staff concerns, the Trust commissioned an independent external review, seeking views of all the portering department.  

“Regarding breaks, we have reiterated on many occasions to our porters that there isn’t, and never has been, a requirement for any member of our staff to ask permission to take a bathroom break.

“Our porters are entitled to three official breaks during every shift and are actively encouraged to stay hydrated using any of the water cooler facilities throughout our hospitals. 

“At UHS we want everyone who works here to feel they belong, are valued, respected and heard.

“We remain in active discussions with Unite and local portering representatives to address the issues being raised and will continue to work constructively to resolve the dispute.”