Action planned for next week is paused as the Royal College of Nursing holds “intensive talks” with government.
Image source, PA MediaNurses in England have called off next week’s 48-hour strike to re-start talks with the government over pay.
The Royal College of Nursing and the Department of Health and Social Care issued a joint statement saying they would enter “intensive” negotiations.
Ministers, officials and RCN leaders will meet on Wednesday.
The RCN originally asked for a pay rise of 5% above inflation, but has since said it would be willing to meet the government half-way.
Next week’s walkout was due to start on Wednesday at 06:00 GMT.
It was set to be the biggest strike of this winter’s pay dispute, with half of frontline services affected.
The RCN had also said it would no longer exempt key services such as critical care and chemotherapy.
‘Sigh of relief’
The government had for months refused to talk about giving any more this year – 2022-23 – in which nurses and other NHS staff were given a rise of 4.75% average.
But the breakthrough was announced as the government unveiled its plans for the 2023-24 pay rise, which would come in to effect in April. It says it is willing to give a rise of 3.5%.
One source close to the negotiations said this had opened the door for that pay award to be backdated into this year, so giving nurses and other staff, such as paramedics, cleaners and porters, an extra boost in pay.
The joint statement said: “The government and RCN have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks.
“Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the NHS and the wider economic pressures facing the UK and the prime minister’s priority to halve inflation.
“The health secretary will meet with the RCN on Wednesday to begin talks. The RCN will pause strike action during these talks.”
Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers, which represents health managers, said they would be “breathing a sigh of relief” at the news.
“The past weeks have seen a worrying escalation of industrial action, which has hit patients hard. This is the glimmer of hope we all needed.”