Somerset• Health Secretary Steve Barclay is set to hold a fresh round of talks with union leaders ahead of further strikes on January 18 and 19 to resolve the issue. For this, options will be put forward in the discussion, including allocating a lump sum to nurses who have to work under heavy pressure during the cost of living crisis.
The government knows that the strike programs announced by union leaders will not end without something for 2022-23. However, issues such as how much the salary should be increased and how the amount will be raised are still in the preliminary stage. No official instructions have been given to the Treasury. With this, the current budget will have to be used more strictly to find funds for the increased amount.
There is concern that if a one-time amount is given only to the health sector, other sections of the struggle will also demand this. This will be a heavy burden on taxpayers. Ambulance workers in Britain have gone on strike in recent days demanding a pay rise. About 20,000 workers in England and Wales went on strike. The service was made available for people with serious diseases like heart attacks and respiratory problems. The strike is demanding an increase in wages and the appointment of adequate staff due to the severe inflation. Ambulance employees will go on strike on 23rd.
English Summary : Ministers hold series of talks with union leaders in bid to avert strikes
