Start pay talks to stop NHS strikes this winter, says UNISON

The government can easily prevent strikes across the NHS this winter.

Start pay talks to stop NHS strikes this winter says UNISON

Commenting on comments made by Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi earlier today (Sunday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “The government can easily prevent strikes across the NHS this winter. Steve Barclay simply has to start talking to unions about increasing NHS staff pay.

“But instead of taking responsibility for trying to solve the growing staffing crisis, ministers want to ratchet up the rhetoric and pick fights with ambulance workers and their NHS colleagues.

“This won’t go down well with the public. People have lots of sympathy for health workers and know that if wages improve so will vacancy rates and patient care.

“The Scottish government has averted strikes by talking to health unions and boosting pay. Ministers in Westminster should do the very same.”