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UK's Health and Social Care Secretary comments on industrial action
The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible but stresses that pay issues are a matter for the Government and the Trade Unions. As the NHS is already under huge pressure from both Covid and flu, as well as issues around lack of beds, staff shortages, and countless other issues, Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay position seems not to have changed. Also, the resolve of the Unions who are saying their members are in “an impossible possession” have also not altered the stance. On Sunday, 5 February 2023, Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay issued a statement, on what he says is the Department of Health and Social Care’s position on industrial action by NHS staff is. Steve Barclay, said:- “It is regrettable that health unions are going ahead with strike action. NHS contingency plans are in place, but these coordinated strikes will undoubtedly have an impact on patients and cause delays to NHS services. We accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review body to give over 1 million NHS workers, including nurses and ambulance workers, a pay rise of at least £1,400 this financial year, on top of an increase the previous year when wider public sector pay was frozen. I have been having constructive talks with unions about what is affordable for 2023/24, and urge them to call off the strikes and come back around the table.” It looks more than likely that some Trade Unions members will still be taking part in industrial action o the following dates:- 6 February 2023 – Members of the Royal College of Nursing and Ambulance workers who are members of the GMB and Unite Unions. 7 February 2023 – Members of the Royal College of Nursing. 9 February 2023 – Members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. 10 February 2023 – Ambulance workers who are members of UNISON. 13 February 2023 – GMB members who are not Ambulance workers. 17 February 2023 – Ambulance workers who are members of Unite Union. 20 February 2023 – Ambulance workers who are members of GMB Union. 22 February 2023 – Ambulance workers who are members of Unite Union. 6 March 2023 – Ambulance workers who are part of GMB and Unite Unions. 20 March 2023 – Ambulance workers who are part of GMB and Unite Unions. Not every Hospital and Ambulance service will be affected by strike action. You can check which trusts are affected on each trade union’s website:- GMB. Royal College of Nursing. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Unite. UNISON. On days when there is strike action, patients should only call:- 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency. More information is also provided on this topic on the NHS Website.
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