Government yet to commit to resolving dispute so strikes continue, says UNISON

Reacting after the meeting today (Monday) with Steve Barclay, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“The health secretary’s tone has changed. That shift needs to be matched with a firm commitment from the Treasury to fund a wage boost now.

“Ministers know unless they come up with some hard cash for a pay boost for what’s left of the current financial year, there can be no resolution to the dispute. And there must be talks soon to agree the increase health workers are due from April.

“Ambulance workers will reluctantly walk out again on Wednesday. But they’ll be hoping against hope the government can come up with the goods to get the NHS back on track.

“The NHS can’t deliver quality care for patients until it has the necessary staff. Only with proper investment in the workforce can the health service be turned around, public confidence restored and patient waits reduced.”

Notes to editors:
– Ambulance workers belonging to UNISON and the GMB are on strike this Wednesday (11 January). UNISON ambulance members will also walk out on Monday 23 January. Unite members at the Welsh Ambulance Service are to take action on 19 and 23 January, and RCN strikes are planned for 18 and 19 January. UNISON members at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence are due out on strike on 17 January.

Media contact:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: [email protected]
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [email protected]