A HOSPITAL could be hit by as many as 250 workers walking out at the busiest time of the year.

Non-clinical staff at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford have said they are in favour of balloting for strike action due to a dispute over pay.

Public services union Unison has consulted members over launching a formal ballot after it claimed Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust reneged on a promise to pay cleaning, catering and portering staff the same rates for working unsocial hours as NHS staff.

Those who responded voted unanimously in favour of a ballot.

Staff affected are employed by private contractor Carillion, which is paid by the trust to run non-clinical services.

If a ballot finds workers in favour of industrial action, the time taken by the whole process could lead to non-clinical workers walking out at Christmas and New Year - the hospital’s busiest time of the year.

Unison regional organiser Zoe Van Dyke said the timing was “by accident rather than design”.

The union says the trust is obliged to pay workers the same unsocial hour rates as all NHS staff.

It says trust bosses have refused to meet them to discuss why the cash they had allegedly promised was no longer available.

Mrs Van Dyke said: “Our agenda is not wanting to strike, it’s wanting our members to get paid the money they were told they would be paid.

“They are absolutely furious about this.

“They are all important jobs.

“They all play a huge role in the running of the hospital.

“Porters, cleaners, caterers and reception staff are all vital components.”

A spokesman for the trust said: “We understand Unison’s position and we have responded to them directly.

“This is primarily a matter for Carillion to work through with their staff and representatives.”