Porters at University Hospital Southampton have voted in favour of strike action over claims they are being told to inform managers about their toilet use.

More than 60 hospital porters who are members of the Unite union will stage a 24-hour walkout on November 28, with more strike dates planned for each Monday and Friday throughout December and January.

It comes after union members claimed porters have been told to inform managers before and after they use the toilet and being denied breaks to drink water.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our Southampton hospital porters have stood up and made it completely clear they will not tolerate bullying and harassment any longer.

“It is shameful that even when presented with the facts, hospital management has failed to act to end the abuse.

“Unite’s laser-like focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members will mean that our porters will receive the union’s absolute support.”

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Unite confirmed that 98 per cent of members who voted in the latest ballot, voted in favour of strike action, with a 76 per cent voter turnout.

Porters taking strike action also highlighted understaffing and equipment issues as reasons for staging the upcoming walkout.

In a statement, Steve Harris, chief people officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), 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, and having been made aware of staff concerns, the Trust commissioned an independent external review, seeking views of all the portering department.

"When we receive this report, the outcomes from it will support our ongoing efforts to address issues raised.

 “We have been in direct contact, verbally and in writing, with Unite and our portering staff to reassure them on a few specific concerns raised relating to claims made around Trust policy.

“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.”

Mr Harris added: “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.

“We have a robust system in place to ensure patient services and safety are maintained during any strike period.”