All parts of NHS will be affected by strike - Unite

Around 100,000 health workers from across the NHS will take action in the ongoing dispute over NHS pensions.

Following the announcement of strike action Unite has moved to reassure NHS providers telling HSJ it will not put patient safety at risk.

Unite has issued advice to its members that any industrial action must not compromise patient safety.

The day of action, which will be joined by members of the Public and Commercial Services union, will follow the Queen’s Speech when a parliamentary bill on pension reform is expected to be announced.

Unite national officer Rachael Maskell told HSJ the action would hit “right across” the NHS as the union’s membership included almost every branch of the NHS.

She said: “It will impact on every sector of the NHS but our advice is quite clear on patient safety, it is paramount.

“We have put patient safety first and we will not compromise that but people do have the right to demonstrate their anger at the way they are beng treated.”

She said patient safety was one of the reasons Unite was taking action, saying: “There are real concerns about patient safety when you could have ambulance staff and nurses lifting patients when they are 68, 69, 70-years-old.”

Ms Maskell said Unite did not believe the pension deal on offer from the government was the best the unions could hope for.

She added: “The government has moved on this and we believe there is scope for them to move further. We want to be back around the negotiating table and for the government to really listen to the evidence.

“We are mounting action in a sustained way until we achieve proper negotiations.”

Unison, meanwhile, is awaiting the outcome of a major ballot of its 450,000 health workers on the pension offer which is due to finish next week.

The British Medical Association is set to make a final decision after balloting its membership next month.

Unite health members include hospital pharmacists, paramedics, cleaners, lab technicians and scientists, health visitors and other NHS employees including nurses.

The union claims under the government’s plans they will have to pay an extra £30 a month for their pensions following a two year pay freeze, and the introduction of regional pay.

Another strike by public sector workers will come at the end of June and follows the widespread day of action on 30 November when 1.5m workers walked out.

NHS Employers director Dean Royles said: “I know staff feel anxious about changes to pensions but announcements of industrial action will be distressing for patients and confusing for staff.

“Organisations are currently working with staff locally to help them understand how the pension changes affect them.

“After months of debate we owe it to staff to give them a period of reflection, not provoke them into action that will affect the patients they serve every day.

“Employers’ priority is to protect the care, safety and dignity of patients.”