PORTERS at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford have said they will strike next week if negotiations with their employer break down tomorrow.

Porters who are UNISON members have been in a long-running dispute with their employer Carillion over proposed changes to shift patterns and jobs roles, which they say would see a reduction in pay and worse conditions.

James Sleep, regional organiser for UNISON South East, said: "The porters at JR  are some of the lowest paid workers in Oxford and simply can't afford to lose income because of changes in their shift patterns ‎and roles.

“Our members are dedicated to their roles and provide a vital service to patients at the hospital, but they rely on their pay to make ends meet and provide the very basics for their families."

UNISON is hoping talks tomorrow will produce a final set of proposals that significantly minimises impact on its members.

The union will ballot members early next week on the proposals and, if rejected, 48 hours of strike action will commence on Thursday.