It has been reported that the health workers of North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust have threatened to go on strike if they are forced to accept the changes in the sick pay. Cuts in the sick pay have been introduced by the trust with the aim of saving £500,000 annually.

It has come to light that the heath workers have been pushed by the authorities to accept the changes. Rumors have even been aired asking health workers to either accept the changes or to face job loss.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has expressed anger over decision of the trust. RCN has assured health workers of job security. While criticizing the decision, the RCN Regional Director Glenn Turp said, "To say that our members are furious about this, is a massive understatement. The trust are bullying and intimidating the workforce, to get them to sign new, less favourable contracts".

However, the trust has said that it is not bullying the staff. The trust further said that the trust will pay the health workers for the work they perform and not for the work that has not been performed by them.