The West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust failed to fully cover sick pay for outsourced cleaners, porters and caterers during the coronavirus winter wave, a report from The Independent reveals.

According to the report, from October 1 to February 22 the trust and outsourced staff provider Mitie were unable to fully fund sick pay for supply staff with Covid-19 or those told to self-isolate.

Sources told the paper that some staff had to return before their self-isolation period was over because of the financial strains caused, and reports suggest management at Mitie pressured staff to carry on working when potentially infected with Covid-19.

Separately, the Watford Observer was aware that frontline workers at the trust were asked to postpone their annual leave when possible due to the influx of Covid and other patients coming in during the winter period.

But the West Herts trust has now agreed to reinstate the unpaid sick pay from October 1, when it was cut after the government withdrew strict guidance on the maintenance of payments to suppliers.

The Independent reports that this could include £30,000 paid out by the trust to Mitie’s 400 employees across the trust.

A porter speaking to The Independent claimed they could not afford to pay for food or rent during their unpaid sick leave.

Cleaners and porters were left struggling with just statutory sick pay, after the government withdrew guidance for bodies to continue paying suppliers for their services – even if they are halted due to Covid-19.

Hilda Tavolara, GMB London’s regional organiser – which represents many Mitie staff members – welcomed the U-turn of the West Herts trust covering lost sick pay.

She told The Independent: “We cannot leave people on the front line at risk. This move by the trust is a big step forward. However, more work needs to be done across the sector, let’s protect those who protect us.”

In a shared statement to the Watford Observer and The Independent, the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We value all staff who work on our hospital sites, whether or not they are trust employees. Our cleaners, porters, catering staff and other colleagues have been an integral part of our response to the pandemic and we are grateful for all their hard work. We are delighted that all affected staff have now been reimbursed.”

Mitie said all employees ware paid, including sick pay, in line with their contractural entitlement.

A spokesperson said: "Our frontline colleagues continue to play a critical role within the NHS during this challenging time.

"We welcome any initiative which better supports our staff and we are pleased to have been able to work with the Trust in order to reintroduce full sick pay for our colleagues on this contract.”