East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has revealed that emergency calls reduced by around 20% during the most recent strike by its workers. Industrial action by members of the GMB union at EMAS saw them walk out for 24 hours on January 11.
Unions representing millions of public sector workers across the country have been holding talks with the Government, with discussions focusing in particular on pay rises. Ambulance workers had been offered a pay rise of 4.75% after similar industrial action in December, rising to 7% for the lowest-paid.
But workers are demanding a rise that reflects the rising rate of inflation and members of the Unite union at EMAS are now due to take part in another strike on January 23. Ben Holdoway, director of operations at EMAS, said: "We hugely appreciate members of the public for their ongoing cooperation by seeking out the most appropriate service for their healthcare needs – whether that is through your pharmacy, your local GP, urgent treatment centre or using NHS 111 online.
