Ambulance and nurse strikes: NHS faces possibility of biggest walkout in history on 6 February

NHS bosses have shared their worries over a bumper day of industrial action next month, which could see the NHS faced with the biggest staff walkout in its history. Unions have announced plans for ambulance staff and nurses to both strike on 6 February, with health leaders expressing “huge concern” over what implications the biggest day of strike action in NHS history will have.

The day will mark the first ever time ambulance staff and nurses have walked out at the same time. Further strike action is expected, with ambulance staff set to strike again several times throughout February, as well as 6 March and 20 March. Meanwhile, nurses will also take action on 7 February.

The GMB Union, which represents around 100,000 ambulance workers including paramedics and call handlers, the Unite ambulance workers union, and the Royal College of Nursing have remained in a bitter pay dispute with the government, with no signs of the either side coming to an agreement soon.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that the government is committed to having “constructive dialogue” with unions representing health workers, however health secretary Steve Barclay has refused the demand of a 10% pay rise calling it “not affordable”.

NHS Trust leaders warned government of coordinated strikes

The ongoing strikes among health workers has seen action taken on separate days. However, 6 February could mark the first time industrial action has been taken by more than one group of workers in the NHS.

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of the NHS Providers organisation, said: “Trusts have been warning for months that coordinated strikes were a possibility if the Government and unions failed to reach an early agreement on this year’s pay award. The prospect of ambulance workers and nurses striking on the same day is a huge concern.