UK to face largest ever healthcare strike as pay disputes continue

Nursing staff and ambulance workers across England are set to commence a 2-day strike today. They are demanding fair pay and improved patient safety.
“As the Westminster government has failed to act, we have been forced to escalate our strike action. Our members will strike again on Monday 6 February and Tuesday 7 February,” reads a statement by The Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen sent a letter to Prime Minister Sunak on Saturday, stating that “opening negotiations and making meaningful offers can avert strike action.” She also noted, “it will be the biggest industrial action in the 75-year history of the NHS.”
Cullen urged Sunak to “use this weekend to reset your government in the eyes of the public and demonstrate it is on the side of the hardworking, decent taxpayer.”
Meanwhile, strikes in Wales have been canceled following a revised offer from the Welsh Government.
The RCN states the Welsh decision was made “following an offer to increase the award already made for 2022/23 by 3% (1.5% consolidated) to nursing staff on agenda for change contracts. The new offer is backdated to April 2022.”