A small group of protesters demonstrated against the privatisation of a hospital catering service today..

“Keep our NHS Canteen” and “Not for sale” were the messages displayed on placards outside Airedale Hospital during the protest, which was organised by a group of trade unions demanding managers shelve any privatisation plans.

Airedale NHS Trust is faced with a £1.6 million bill to modernise its kitchens and meet health and safety standards – a cost it claims it cannot afford.

But the trust has rejected any suggestion that it has already decided to privatise the kitchens, in which about 90 people are employed.

Ann Wagner, the trust’s director of corporate development, said a decision on whether to keep the facility in-house or award the contract to one of three prospective companies would not be made until July 24.

Among those present at the protest were Keighley Labour MP Ann Cryer, Keighley East councillor Steve Pullen and GMB union regional organiser Gary Baker.

The 15-strong group included representatives from the Unite and Unison unions and a member of the Keighley Trades Union Council.

Also making their views known were several hospital staff members who had come in on their day off.

Mrs Cryer said the demonstration was timed to coincide with the Airedale NHS Trust’s monthly board meeting.

Mr Pullen said many people were worried about the kitchens being put out to tender.

“This is just to give the board members a reminder that people are concerned,” he said.

“There’s going to be jobs put at risk, but the main effect this will have will be on the public.”

He said any company brought in from outside would need to spend money on new equipment and would therefore look to cut costs elsewhere.

Mr Baker said: “There have been lots of staff members showing support for us while they’re driving in by tooting their horns or giving us a thumbs up.

“The trust has got to take on board what we’re saying.”

Christian Ratcliffe, of Unite, said: “The 92 staff employed in the canteen are extremely worried that if the service is privatised it will affect their jobs and pensions. We are urging the trust board to recognise the expertise and skills of its staff and keep the service in-house.”

Hospital managers have stressed that if the kitchens are privatised the existing employment rules would protect staff salaries and conditions.