The NHS Strikes: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, a combination of disruptive factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, rocketing fuel and energy prices, and a high rate of inflation have led to a fall in real disposable incomes. While many sectors in the UK have been forced to ‘tighten their belts’ in reaction to the cost of living crisis, we’ve seen an unprecedented response from NHS workers, with British nurses calling for a nationwide strike for the first time. What information do you need to know about the latest NHS strikes, and what do they mean for patients, nurses, ambulance crews, and medical staff in the UK in 2023?  

• When are the NHS strikes happening: In an unprecedented action, NHS nurses went on strike on the 15th and 20th of December in 2022, affecting approximately 44 trusts across the UK; we’ve also seen ambulance crew going on strike on the 21st and 28th of the same month. Unions representing the NHS have threatened further strike action for this year: at present, members of the Royal College of Nursing are expected to strike on the 18th and 19th of January, whereas ambulance staff who are members of UNISON and GMB are set to strike on the 11th of January; there is also another strike for UNISON ambulance crew members schedules for the 23rd of January.

• Why is the NHS striking: Essentially, nurses and ambulance crews in the UK have taken industrial action in response to a low rate of pay, which has not risen in line with inflation. Many NHS nurses feel undervalued by the government and have called for a 19% pay rise, which has so far been rejected. Similarly, ambulance staff is calling for a pay rise although they have not volunteered a concrete figure as yet – currently, two Scottish unions have already accepted a pay offer of 7.5%, with independent pay review bodies working to establish a fair rate of pay in the UK.

• What will the impacts be: Whereas many UK residents wholeheartedly support NHS workers’ right to strike and gain a pay rise in line with inflation, there’s no denying that this latest industrial action will have some negative effects on accessibility and quality of care for some patients, potentially leading to higher instances of medical negligence and avoidable illness. Whereas ‘life-preserving’ nursing treatment (such as intensive and emergency care) will be expected to continue, routine care (such as minor surgeries like hip replacements) is likely to be negatively affected. Similarly, ambulance staff will also have to de-prioritise Category 3 and Category 2 calls on their switchboards, although Category 1 emergencies will still be attended.