Striking ambulance workers today urged the Government to give staff a pay rise and better working conditions, saying the service was at “breaking point”. On a picket line in Coventry, striking paramedics and union leaders accused the Government of “criminal negligence”, saying the Tories had "hollowed out" the NHS.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay was also personally accused of "holding the country to ransom" by Unite leader Sharon Graham who joined the striking workers. Outside Coventry Ambulance Headquarters, paramedic Ryan Carruthers, 23, said he earns £24,000-a-year after joining West Midlands Ambulance Service in April.
He said: “I am striking for fair pay and better working conditions for both our staff and the patients. We work 12-hour shifts and work two days, two nights and then have four days off. The days are very busy and we see so many patients.
