Jeremy Corbyn, centre, joins protesting UVW members outside the famous hospital for sick children

GREAT Ormond Street Hospital was forced to issue a statement this week saying it “condemns violence of any kind” after a protester was assaulted on a strike picket outside the main building.

Supporters of security guards had occupied an office of the famous children’s hospital as they launched a six-week industrial action.

The hospital workers, who want to be employed by the NHS instead of a private company, rallied outside the main entrance on Friday. There were speeches from campaigners including former Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn MP.

A statement from GOSH said: “Some time later, one of the protesters was physically assaulted and we called the police immediately. We understand that a GOSH contractor was present when the assault took place and we are working with the police to understand his role before deciding what action is most appropriate. As a children’s hospital we unequivocally condemn violence of any kind. We respect everyone’s right to peaceful protest.”

The NHS hospital’s managers, however, have threatened the strike organisers, United Voices of the World union, with an injunction unless they limit future protest numbers to six and cease all picketing.

UVW’s general secretary Petros Elia said: “It is shocking that GOSH would rather throw tonnes of money at corporate lawyers to attack their security guards’ human rights to strike and protest, rather than simply treating them with respect and as equal members of the NHS. We have made clear that we remain available to negotiate at any time, and hope that common sense will prevail and that the security guards/ reasonable demands will be met without the need to move to an all-out strike.”

The union balloted for strike action after GOSH would not commit to bring the security guards back in-house.

The UVW had successfully fought to bring outsourcing cleaners back in-house last year and wanted security guards to follow suit.

GOSH said: “Like many hospitals, we sometimes work with specialist providers to help us maintain efficient, high-quality, support services. We have a contract with Carlisle Security Services to help make sure security at the hospital is resilient and complies with regulations in that industry.”