The strike vote among more than 300,000 members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) was the biggest ever in the union’s 106-year history. Although counting is still ongoing, it is understood RCN officials believe enough members have voted in favor of winter industrial action which is due to take place within a few weeks, possibly before Christmas. RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said: “Our strike action will be for both patients and nurses – we have their support in this.” The exact nature of the strike is yet to be determined but is likely to see patients face disruption to work and appointments while already facing record NHS waiting lists. A union source told the Observer newspaper: “This will lead to the majority of services being axed, and picketing across the country.” The RCN said there are record nursing vacancies and in the last year 25,000 nursing staff across the UK have left the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. Recent analysis showed that the pay of an experienced nurse has fallen by 20% in real terms since 2010, the union said, adding that the goodwill and expertise of nursing staff is being “exploited” by governments across the UK. The RCN is campaigning for a 5% pay rise above inflation. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 9:17 RCN chief Pat Cullen accuses the government of ‘not engaging’ with nurses Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt already face the huge challenge of tackling a £50bn hole in the public finances. Read more: Rishi Sunak confronts NHS patient on nurses’ pay during hospital visit Nurses leaving for shop jobs as ‘they can’t afford to work for the NHS’ Higher pay offer for nurses unlikely to go ahead on the table, says the Minister of Health Mrs Cullen said: “Patients are at great risk when there are not enough nurses. “Huge numbers of staff – both experienced and younger recruits – are deciding they cannot see a future in a nursing profession that is neither valued nor treated fairly.” He added: “As we take action, politicians in every part of the UK will be called upon to support their nursing staff and understand the power of public support.”
