Nurses to pause strike action after agreeing to "intense" talks with government

The Royal College of Nursing was planning a two-day walkout beginning on March 1 in a row over pay and conditions

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 21st Feb 2023

Nurses in England are pausing strike action, after agreeing to a period of "intense talks" with government ministers.

A joint statement from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Royal College of Nursing said: "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."

The union had been due to begin it's first 48 hour walkout on March 1st, amid a long running row over pay and conditions.

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