NHS nurses to start voting on first ever strike in protest over pay

NHS nurses are set to start voting whether to go on strike over pay ‘within weeks’, in what their main trade union has called a ‘defining moment’ for the profession.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said it will be advising hundreds of thousands of its members to support industrial action in a ballot that opens in mid-September.

If its members support the proposed action, it will be the RCN’s first ever strike in England and Wales.

The college has called for a pay rise for nursing staff of 5% above RPI inflation, which is currently 11.8%. 

This comes after the Government announced a 4.75% NHS pay award, something the RCN described as ‘a national disgrace’, pointing out that it would leave an experienced nurse more than £1,000 worse off.

Pat Cullen, RCN general secretary, said in a statement: “Nursing staff will stop at nothing to protect their patients.

“Staff shortages are putting patient safety at risk and the Government’s failure to listen has left us with no choice but to advocate for strike action.

“A lifetime of service must never mean a lifetime of poverty. Ministers’ refusal to recognise the skill and responsibility of the job is pushing people out of the profession.

“The next prime minister must change course urgently.”

RCN officials added that industrial strike action was a last resort, but the current NHS staffing crisis was causing ‘unacceptable risk’ to patients and staff.

Carol Popplestone, who chairs the RCN Council, said in a message to members: “After years of underpayment and staff shortages, the fight for fair pay must strengthen.

“This year’s pay award does not help you with the rising cost of living. It will do nothing to help to recruit or retain more nursing staff where you work and will not keep patients safe.”