University staff and NHS physiotherapists will go out on strike today (Thursday) in an outbreak of industrial action continuing to sweep the country. Members of the University and College Union and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy will mount picket lines outside universities and hospitals in disputes over pay, working conditions and pensions.
The CSP accused the UK Government of being “intransigent” in refusing to discuss pay for the current financial year, which sparked walkouts across the NHS. Up to 4,500 members of the CSP will strike at 33 trusts in England, with action planned for Wales suspended after the Welsh government made an improved offer.
The CSP said that apart from one 45-minute meeting last month, the Westminster government refused to discuss the pay dispute. The Scottish government also made an improved offer that CSP members accepted. Claire Sullivan, director of employment relations at the CSP, said: “Our members are sick and tired of hearing the UK Government claim they are open to talks with the health unions when they have not lifted a finger to avert strikes in England.
