The government has agreed to enter into formal NHS pay negotiations.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced it will call off planned strike action for next week.
Earlier this month the nurses’ union said it was preparing to withdraw all but “life and limb” care after the government refused to enter formal pay negotiations.
However in an email to RCN members just moments ago, union chief Pat Cullen said the union would now call off the planned around-the-clock strike from 1 March – 3 March.
The union explains that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has agreed to enter into “formal and immediate” pay negotiations.
The news comes just hours after the RCN recommended its members accepted a 6.5% pay rise in Scotland.
Formal and immediate talks.
Earlier today it was announced the government has discovered a public sector financial surplus of around £5 billion.
In her email, Ms Cullen explained, “I want you to hear this news from me directly. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has today agreed to formal and immediate talks between his government and the Royal College of Nursing.
“After many months of no progress, this is a hugely significant moment. We are only at this point because of your campaigning and sheer determination.
“We are going into these talks in good faith and therefore we are cancelling the strike across England that was planned for next week, 1-3 March 2023.”
Pay, conditions and productivity-enhancing reforms.
A statement has been released by the UK government this evening reads: “The Government and Royal College of Nursing have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks.
“Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister’s priority to halve inflation.
“The talks will focus on pay, terms and conditions, and productivity enhancing reforms.
“The Health Secretary will meet with the Royal College of Nursing on Wednesday to begin talks. The Royal College of Nursing will pause strike action during these talks.”
Junior doctors remain on track to take all-out strike action next month.
