NHS staff strike suspended after last minute talks

UNISON, Unite and GMB had all issued formal notice of a walk-out to take place tomorrow for all union members working in the NHS across the South East.
The unions had planned a 12-hour walkout for staff and a 24-hour walkout for ambulance staff, followed by a further 24-hour strike on February 25.
Similar strikes took place in October and November of last year, and the third round of action was planned as a protest at the Government’s decision to reject a 1 per cent pay rise for NHS staff, according to unions.
The latest decision to suspend strike action follows meetings with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt last week that were postponed until Tuesday where a new deal was proposed to avert strike action.
GMB National Officer Rehana Azam said: "GMB is pleased that after a week of talks we have secured a new offer.
“This enables us to suspend the strike action while we consult with our members on whether they wish to accept the offer or not."

UNISON head of health and the unions' lead negotiator, Christina McAnea said: "The two strike days staged by health workers last year have moved the government to negotiate with the unions.

"This isn't a great offer but it addresses some of the key concerns unions have about low pay in the NHS. In the interest of patients' safety unions will now consult members.

"It will be up to members to decide whether to accept or reject the proposals. If they choose to reject them we will move to further industrial action."

A meeting to discuss the new deal will take place on Wednesday February 4, where a timetable for consultation is expected to be agreed.