A STRIKE ballot will be held for porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital over possible changes to work patterns leaving staff in “financial hardship”.

The GMB union - representing staff employed by Carillion at the Oxford hospital – will hold the consultative industrial action ballot tomorrow. 

It is a dispute over work patterns that mean members will lose up to £56 a week each if changes are made, according to the union.

GMB regional organiser Carole Vallelly said: “GMB members are horrified that Carillion are trying to force through these new work patterns that will mean our members losing up to £56 a week each from their wages.

“These workers are amongst the lowest paid in the hospital and cannot afford to lose this money. They have told us it will mean they just will not be able to pay their bills each month, and this will cause real financial hardship.”