A UNION has criticised Whipps Cross Hospital NHS Trust for its decision not to pay staff Bank Holiday rates on the day of the Royal Wedding.

Unite claims that many trusts in the UK will be paying staff extra on the date but said some were "stubbornly refusing to recognise the special occasion".

But the hospital's management say those who do have to work will be given time off in lieu.

But Unite national officer for health, Rachael Maskell, said: "The government has given the country an extra bank holiday to mark the Royal Wedding but NHS trust chief executives on six figure salaries are refusing to recognise the spirit of the occasion.

"These trusts still have time to do the right thing and recognise the valuable contribution NHS staff make to this country."

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "Staff at the trust are not expected to work on the April 29 public holiday unless they are specifically required to do so.

"Routine activity for the day will be postponed. For staff who are required to work on the day, for example those who are required to provide cover for emergency care, will be paid their standard rate and will receive a day off in lieu."

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