The meeting failed to be productive, with Ministers standing firm on their previous claims they would not give in to union demands.
A meeting between the Health Secretary and the Royal College of Nursing has finally taken place.
According to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) the meeting failed to be productive, with Ministers standing firm on their previous claims they would not give in to union demands.
It has been reported the meeting with Heath Secretary Steve Barclay lasted just 30 minutes, and he “had too little to say”, totally refusing to discuss pay.
It comes after RCN members in England will strike on Thursday in a battle for a restorative pay rise and better working conditions.
Belligerence.
Following a long-awaited meeting with the Health Secretary, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: “The government was true to its word – they would not talk to me about pay.
“I needed to come out of this meeting with something serious to show nurses why they should not strike this week. Regrettably, they are not getting an extra penny.
“Ministers had too little to say and I had to speak at length about the unprecedented strength of feeling in the profession.
“I expressed my deep disappointment at the belligerence – they have closed their books and walked away.”
