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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Stephen Topping & Helena Vesty & Sam Blewett and Alan Jones, PA

Nurses edge closer to strike action as government 'refuses to talk over pay'

RCN NHS Nurse Pat Cullen Steve Barclay

Thousands of nurses look to be on course for unprecedented strike action next month with the Health Secretary 'refusing to discuss pay' with union leaders. Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are preparing to walk out for the first time on December 15, and again on December 20.

It comes amid calls for improved pay as nurses grapple with the cost of living crisis. The RCN wants to secure a 19 per cent pay rise for nurses.

Today (Saturday, November 26), Steve Barclay has doubled down on his refusal to discuss pay, according to PA. A Whitehall source revealed that the Health Secretary wrote to RCN urging them to 'come back to the table' for talks on subjects such as pension arrangements, holidays, rosters and the availability of free coffee.

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