NHS nurse strike dates: When are nurses going on strike in 2023?
16 February 2023, 17:12 | Updated: 8 March 2023, 12:43
Are NHS nurses striking today? Nurses confirm their biggest strike action yet as they continue to fight for a pay rise as part of the cost of living crisis.
Nurses have been fighting their biggest pay battle in history in recent months as they announced a series of strike dates in a bid to secure higher wages in line with inflation and the cost of living.
The Royal College of Nursing recently put in action their first continuous 48-hour strike with more than 100 services confirming their involvement in the industrial action, however, the action has currently been called off.
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Finally getting the government's attention to engage in further pay talks, NHS nurses are hoping to achieve an acceptable pay deal despite the on-going industrial strikes in other industries including trains, Royal Mail and the teachers.
When are the next NHS nurse strikes? And who's taking part?
The RCN has carried out history making strike dates throughout January and February 2023 so far and they recently confirmed their first 48-hour strike for 1st-3rd of March.
However, unions and ministers managed to agree to pay talks, leading to all strike action being suspended for now.
They planned to walk out for two consecutive days, despite only striking for 12 hours at a time before.
The March strikes would have seen more than 100 trusts take part across the country as well as all departments, including critical care units, being allowed to strike.
This means for the first time, A&E, intensive care units and cancer care could have seen staff take part in the walkouts.
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Why are NHS nurses striking and what's the latest in negotiations?
The RCN has said staff "have had enough of being taken for granted, enough of low pay and unsafe staffing levels".
The union has demanded staff receive a pay rise of at least 17% after years of low pay has "pushed nursing staff out of the profession and putting patient care at risk".
As of February 21st, ministers and unions officially engaged in further pay talks.
A joint statement from the RCN and the Department of Health said: "The government and Royal College of Nursing have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks.
"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.
"The talks will focus on pay, terms and conditions, and productivity enhancing reforms."
