Thousands of nurses across England are going on strike as a bitter pay dispute with the Government continues, but the Health Secretary has warned “unaffordable” wage rises “will mean cutting patient care”.
Nursing staff from more than 55 NHS trusts will take part in industrial action today (Wednesday, January 18) and tomorrow following two days of action in December. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced that two further, bigger strikes will be held next month, while the GMB union is expected to announce further ambulance worker strike dates.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said while he recognises the cost of living pressures on NHS staff, “unaffordable pay rises” will stoke inflation. Writing in the Independent, he said: “If we provide unaffordable pay rises to NHS staff, we will take billions of pounds away from where we need it most.
