NHS unions warn Government is playing 'dangerous game' by only talking to one

27 February 2023 , 00:01

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Thirteen unions have written to Health Secretary Steve Barclay (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Under-fire Health Secretary Steve Barclay has been warned that the government is playing a "dangerous game" by failing to speak to every union representing NHS staff.

Officials representing 13 health unions have written to him saying there will be "potentially perilous consequences" over the Government's handling of the bitter pay dispute.

Last week the Government re-opened talks with the Royal College of Nurses, but other groups say they've been met with silence.

Failing to talk with every union will only prolong the crisis, the Health Secretary was told.

Sara Gorton, Unison's head of health, who chairs the NHS group of unions, said: "Strikes across the NHS won't end until ministers hold proper pay talks with all unions involved in action.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

"Attempting a deal with just one solves nothing and it certainly risks prolonging the dispute."

The Government last week re-opened talks with the RCN (PA)

And Elaine Sparkes, Secretary of the NHS group of unions said: "The Government is playing a dangerous game. Ministers' clumsy attempts to stop the strikes so far have done more damage than good."

The group of 13 unions includes four - Unison, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, GMB and Unite - that are currently involved in industrial action over pay and staffing.

The RCN had been due to stage a 48 hour walkout starting on March 3, but announced last week that it was being called off so talks could go ahead.

In a joint statement with the Department for Health, the college said: "Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister’s priority to halve inflation."

But the move sparked anger among other unions, who accused the government of taking a divisive approach.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The government will talk to all unions who are willing to discuss what is fair and reasonable – recognising the vital role NHS workers play but also the wider economic pressures facing the UK.”

Dave Burke