BATLEY and Spen MP Tracy Brabin has hailed Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s decision to scrap plans to transfer 900 staff to a separate company as a “victory for the principles of our NHS”.

Ms Brabin (pictured above) criticised plans to set up a wholly owned subsidiary company and called on former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to reject the proposal earlier this year.

Faced with industrial action by Unison members, the trust announced the u-turn on the plans.

Mr Brabin said: “This is a victory for the hard-working staff at Mid Yorks who have a right to keep their status as NHS employees and it is a victory for the principles of our NHS.

“I am delighted that the trust has recognised the strength of opposition to the plans and have come to a decision that will safeguard our NHS for both staff and patients.

“While I realise that Mid Yorks are under incredible pressure to cut-costs as the Tory Government continues to underfund local NHS services, it cannot come at the expense of workers’ rights.

“Under no circumstances should NHS staff be facing a future where the terms and conditions of their employment are inferior to that of their colleagues.

“This victory sends a clear message in the NHS’ 70th year that we reject the path to privatisation and will continue to fight for a properly funded health service that is publicly owned and free at the point of use.”

Cleaners, IT specialists and maintenance workers at the trust were among those who could have been affected by the plans to transfer estates and facilities services to a separate company owned by the Mid Yorks Trust – but would have lost their status as NHS employees.