Rishi Sunak may consider one-off payment to end nurses’ strikes

PM for first time signals willingness to help with cost of living as ministers prepare for talks with health unions

Rishi Sunak has opened the door to a pay deal for striking nurses when ministers meet health unions for talks on Monday after signalling for the first time a willingness to address demands for more help with the cost of living.

The Guardian understands ministers are prepared to look at a one-off" payment to health workers, possibly in the form of a hardship payment to get them through this winter. Downing Street and the Treasury were accused of blocking such an offer last month.