New ambulance strikes have begun urging government to fund ‘fair’ pay deal

Ambulance worker walkouts have started today in England and Wales, with staff claiming the solution to ending the crisis is ‘staring the government in the face’.

Up to 15,000 ambulance workers have hit the picket line today for the third time in five weeks, as the government was urged to solve a deepening row over health workers’ pay and conditions. 

The dispute comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was informed by unions that he could halt strike action by presenting a fair pay rise to health workers, including paramedics and NHS staff.

However, unions have warned if the Chancellor continues to refuse, strike action could continue for many months.  

Staff belonging to three unions – GMB, Unison and Unite – have been given instruction to attend life-threatening 999 calls however no other emergencies will receive immediate attention. This includes falls on icy pavements which are a cause for concern as freezing temperatures hit parts of the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency has extended the current level three cold weather alert until 9am Wednesday. Cold temperatures can be fatal for vulnerable patients, increasing their risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.

As well as 15,000 Unison ambulance workers engaging in strike action today, 5,000 of their NHS colleagues at two hospital trusts in Liverpool will be joining them.

Christina McAnea, Unison General Secretary, said: ‘The solution to the growing NHS crisis is staring the government in the face. It’s simple, all the Chancellor needs to do is find the money to pay health workers fairly.

‘The public wants the government to end the dispute, so do NHS staff but most ministers look like they’d rather dig in and do nothing instead of boost pay and help turn the ailing NHS around.

‘Higher wages would stop experienced employees leaving for better paid jobs and encourage more people to come and work in the NHS.

‘As health secretary, he negotiated the wage deal to end the 2015 NHS strike and pushed for fair pay when Health Select Committee chair. But as Chancellor he’s chosen to forget all that.

‘Jeremy Hunt knows improved wages are critical to solving the NHS staffing emergency. He must come out of hiding and unlock the funding to end the strikes. Then the focus can be on nursing the NHS back to good health.

Photo by Alexander Simonsen