Nursing strike dates confirmed

Nursing strikes have been confirmed for the 15 and 20 December in what is expected to be the most marked NHS strike action ever.

The Royal College of Nursing are demanding a 19% pay rise for all nursing staff, which the government have so far deemed as unaffordable.

Routine practices, such as prescheduled appointments and non-urgent operations will be impacted, while emergency services will run as usual.

This decision comes after the majority of healthcare workers voted to strike in a recent RCN ballot.

In addition to advocating fairer pay, the strikes also aim to improve patient safety, with staffing shortages affecting the level of care able to be provided.

Plans for industrial action in Scotland, on the other hand, have been paused as the government continue to negotiate in order to lower the risk of strikes.

RCN general secretary & chief executive Pat Cullen said: “Ministers have had more than two weeks since we confirmed that our members felt such injustice that they would strike for the first time.

“My offer of formal negotiations was declined and instead ministers have chosen strike action. They have the power and the means to stop this by opening serious talks that address our dispute.

“Nursing staff have had enough of being taken for granted, enough of low pay and unsafe staffing levels, enough of not being able to give our patients the care they deserve.”

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