NHS strikes still going ahead despite Rishi Sunak’s U-turn on pay talks
by Jessica Elgot, Denis Campbell and Gwyn Topham from World news | The Guardian on (#67MP8)
PM changes tack to allow negotiations on wages but unions remain frustrated at lack of clear offer
Strikes by paramedics and nurses will go ahead from this week despite Rishi Sunak's major U-turn on allowing new pay negotiations, with unions frustrated at ministers for not yet making a concrete offer.
The health secretary, Steve Barclay, has agreed to discuss the possibility of a lump-sum payment or backdating a future pay deal in order to end NHS strikes, according to multiple sources. Further talks are expected later this week, the Guardian understands, as well as negotiations between Barclay and the Treasury.
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