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Stop the Sub-Co: Protect Our NHS Staff
You may have heard about the Trust’s plans to look at creating a wholly-owned subsidiary company (sub-co) and move estates and facilities staff along with all Sodexo staff into it. UNISON is opposing this proposal – and with your support, we believe we can stop it.
A sub-co is a private company owned by the Trust. But even though the Trust owns it, staff working in a sub-co are no longer NHS employees. This change would remove staff from the NHS ‘One Team’ and place them in a company that does not guarantee the same terms and protections.
The Trust says it will keep everyone’s NHS terms and conditions, but that’s a promise they cannot guarantee. Once staff transfer out of the NHS, they lose nationally protected rights. New starters could be placed on inferior, non-NHS contracts – creating a two-tier workforce.
UNISON believes this proposal amounts to privatisation by the back door. We’ve seen this before, and we know the risks.
Why is UNISON opposed?
- It’s privatisation by the back door – NHS jobs should stay in the NHS.
- New starters won’t get NHS contracts – they’ll lose access to NHS pay and pensions.
- Terms and conditions aren’t guaranteed – promises made now may not be honoured in future.
- Sodexo staff were told they would return to the NHS – now they risk being moved into this new company too.
- Other local Trusts have walked away – Devon Partnership Trust said no because they value their staff.
The Trust says this is about saving money – including VAT advantages – but the government is already looking at closing this tax loophole. And the real cost will fall on staff morale, job security, and patient care.
Today it’s estates and facilities. Tomorrow it could be other services.
This is not a done deal. UNISON is actively opposing the plan – and with your voice, we can stop it.
If you want to stay part of the NHS – act now. We know your value. Together we can stop this.
What you can do:
- Sign our Petition and encourage colleagues, friends and family to do the same.
- Join UNISON if you’re not already a member – the more members we have, the stronger we are.
- Get in touch with the branch if you can act as a point of contact for your team.
- Become an active member – help us organise and stand up for colleagues.
- Speak to your workplace rep or branch for information and support.
Every member matters. Your voice, your support, and your action are vital.
We’ve stopped sub-co plans before – and we can stop this one too.
Not in UNISON? Join today at joinunison.org or call 0800 171 2193.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sub-co?
A sub-co (subsidiary company) is a separate company set up and owned by the NHS Trust to run services outside direct NHS employment.
Is this definitely happening?
No – UNISON is actively campaigning to stop it. With enough support from staff, we believe the Trust can be persuaded to withdraw the plan.
Will I still be employed by the NHS?
No. If moved to a sub-co, you would no longer be an NHS employee. You’d work for a legally separate company, even if it’s owned by the Trust.
Will my terms and conditions stay the same?
The Trust says they will, but once outside the NHS, national agreements no longer apply. There’s no long-term guarantee they’ll remain unchanged.
What about new starters?
They would be employed on different, non-NHS contracts. This means no NHS pay, no Agenda for Change, and no NHS Pension Scheme.
Why is UNISON opposed?
Sub-cos amount to privatisation by the back door. They weaken protections for staff and risk dividing the workforce.
Have other Trusts done this?
Some tried but stepped back. Devon Partnership Trust rejected it, saying they value their staff and want to keep them in the NHS.
What can I do to help?
Join UNISON, speak to your colleagues, and sign the petition. The more of us who stand together, the stronger our voice.