Strike by ambulance workers to cause ‘extensive disruption’
NHS managers have been warned a planned strike by ambulance workers next week will cause “extensive disruption” to services, as health leaders and trade unions haggle over how they propose to cover 999 calls.
The NHS is braced for its most extensive industrial action for decades, with a second nurses’ strike in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, followed by a walkout by ambulance workers including paramedics on Wednesday.
About 750 armed forces personnel are being brought in by the government to offset the impact of the strike affecting 10 ambulance trusts in England and Wales. Ambulance crews will be a mix of military and NHS staff.
Meanwhile unions were accused by government insiders of “playing games” by failing to quickly agree with NHS leaders how they plan to cover 999 calls during the strike by ambulance workers.
He highlighted how the government had implemented an independent review body’s proposal on NHS pay, which has provided nurses with an average increase of 4 per cent. The Royal College of Nursing has demanded a 19 per cent pay rise.
This story originally appeared on: Financial Times - Author:Philip Georgiadis
