Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

NHS Industrial Action: Government Preparations

12 December 2022 · 21 other contributors

Opened by Will Quince Con Con

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Will Quince raised concerns about nhs industrial action: government preparations in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Secretary of State is attending a Cobra meeting on contingency planning for potential NHS strikes.
  • The Minister expressed regret over union members voting for industrial action, prioritising patient safety and maintaining open dialogue with unions.
  • Ongoing discussions with the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, Unite, and GMB aim to minimize disruption and ensure safe levels of cover during any strike actions.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Will Quince

The Secretary of State is attending a Cobra meeting on contingency planning for potential NHS strikes. The Minister expressed regret over union members voting for industrial action, prioritising patient safety and maintaining open dialogue with unions. He highlighted ongoing discussions with the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, Unite, and GMB to minimize disruption and ensure safe levels of cover during any strike actions. Contingency plans involve extra support from service personnel and private sector providers. The NHS is under pressure from the pandemic and winter conditions, making strikes highly concerning. Patients are advised to continue using NHS services as needed but may experience delays in routine treatments.

Other contributors (21)
  • Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

    Question

    The power to stop strikes lies with the Government, yet they refuse reasonable offers of compromise. Labour criticises Conservative mismanagement leading to nurses' first strike in over a century and ambulance workers' impending strike since 1989. How many operations have been cancelled? Which services will be impacted by strikes?

    Minister reply

    Labour's stance is inconsistent on strikes, despite acknowledging pay demands are unaffordable. The independent Pay Review Body recommendations were accepted fully, granting over a million NHS staff a £1,400 increase in pay this year and a 3% rise last year amidst public sector wage freezes. Meeting RCN’s demand of an RPI plus 5% would be unsustainable, equating to a 6.5% budget reallocation from elective backlogs.

  • Steve Brine

    Question

    Expressing condolences for recent tragic events in Solihull and acknowledging NHS emergency services' efforts. Expresses concerns about the independent pay review process being undermined if agreements are broken later. Questions patient information on impacts of strikes and workloads.

    Minister reply

    Echos sympathy for tragedy victims. Emphasises adherence to an independent pay review body’s recommendations as key. Advises public to use NHS 111 or dial 999 in emergencies, with further communication updates planned once derogations are finalized.

  • Steven Bonnar

    Question

    The Scottish First Minister has successfully negotiated an end to NHS worker strikes, whereas the UK Government remains unresponsive. The hon. Gentleman questions why the UK Government is refusing a decent pay increase for public servants when they have the financial power to do so.

    Minister reply

    The minister clarified that industrial action in Scotland was suspended, not cancelled, due to political intervention, contrasting with the independent recommendations of the Pay Review Body. He highlighted the financial implications of a 1% wage increase (£750 million) and stressed the need for prioritising health service funding.

  • Tobias Ellwood

    Question

    Concerning the unprecedented level of strike action across various sectors, the MP inquired about military support readiness and asked whether it is now time to introduce minimum service levels.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged respect for armed forces personnel, some of whom will be on lower pay than NHS staff and will volunteer during strikes. He outlined contingency plans involving military aid to civil authorities (MACA) requests submitted to the Ministry of Defence.

  • Rachael Maskell

    Question

    The Labour MP criticised the government for hiding behind the Pay Review Body and urged them to negotiate directly with unions on the size of the pay envelope.

    Minister reply

    The minister defended the independent nature of the Pay Review Body, stressing that its recommendations are made by impartial experts after considering a wide range of evidence from stakeholders. He argued against direct political negotiation with trade unions annually.

  • Simon Clarke

    Question

    The MP commended the minister’s response and questioned the potential impact on NHS operations if ministers negotiated directly with unions each winter.

    Minister reply

    The minister agreed that direct political intervention every year could lead to unrealistic wage demands at the expense of public services. He defended the Pay Review Body's role in depoliticizing pay negotiations.

  • Paulette Hamilton

    Question

    The Labour MP highlighted her experience as a nurse and expressed concern about low pay, food banks for staff, and the government’s refusal to negotiate with unions.

    Minister reply

    The minister acknowledged the hon. Lady's service but defended the government’s acceptance of Pay Review Body recommendations and its broader support package for NHS staff.

  • Holly Mumby-Croft

    Question

    Concerning ambulance strikes, the MP asked which categories of call would be responded to during strike days.

    Minister reply

    The minister stated that derogation discussions are ongoing and clarified that category 1 and 2 calls (immediate threat to life) will likely be responded to. Additional support measures for lower priority calls were also outlined.

  • Karin Smyth

    Question

    Criticising the government’s refusal to negotiate, the MP raised staffing levels in some areas as currently being below safe levels before strikes even begin.

    Minister reply

    The minister noted NHS staffing increases compared to previous years and highlighted ongoing efforts for a long-term workforce plan independently verified by the Chancellor.

  • Jerome Mayhew

    Question

    Regarding inflationary pressures, the MP questioned whether granting double-digit pay rises would embed higher inflation rates.

    Minister reply

    The minister agreed that high wage increases could sustain higher levels of inflation and impact constituents' long-term incomes and savings adversely.

  • Margaret Greenwood

    Question

    The strikes are not just about pay levels but also patient safety due to understaffing and stress among NHS workers. Will the Government engage in talks with unions?

    Minister reply

    My door is always open, and I am willing to discuss staffing levels and working conditions at any time.

  • Julian Lewis

    Question

    Would reducing management salaries help fund higher pay for frontline staff?

    Minister reply

    Management roles are important but we continue to examine the ratio of management to frontline staff.

  • Karl Turner

    Question

    Why does the Government not address this issue directly, given its responsibility?

    Minister reply

    The pay review body process is established and independent. We urge unions to consider industrial action impacts carefully.

  • Lee Anderson

    Question

    Does the shadow Health Secretary play politics with this issue?

    Minister reply

    We refuse to politicise this issue, focusing on patient safety and avoiding unnecessary industrial action.

  • Richard Foord

    Question

    How does drafting military personnel address NHS workforce shortages and attract new staff?

    Minister reply

    Strike action necessitates the MACA request. We are committed to a comprehensive workforce strategy, boosting recruitment through pension flexibilities and international hiring.

  • Richard Drax

    Question

    Why continue to use NHS as political football when it needs radical reform?

    Minister reply

    We look at improving productivity in the NHS but also address proposed strike action issues currently. We are open to further reforms and discussions.

  • Chi Onwurah

    Question

    Do NHS staff deserve face-to-face pay negotiations with Government?

    Minister reply

    We value NHS staff and have provided a pay rise this year, building on last year’s 3% increase despite wider public sector freezes.

  • Chris Bryant

    Question

    How will the Minister ensure patients receive timely cancer test results during strikes?

    Minister reply

    We aim to keep NHS services operational during strikes. Average private sector pay settlements range from 4% to 6%, providing context.

  • Simon Lightwood

    Question

    Why not meet unions for face-to-face negotiations as they request?

    Minister reply

    A meeting is being organised but emphasises the financial implications of a £10 billion pay increase and its impact on NHS funding.

  • Jim Shannon

    Question

    Can the Government go further to reach a settlement, considering staff's survival wages?

    Minister reply

    We accepted the independent body’s recommendations, providing substantial pay rises for over 1 million workers. We urge unions to avoid industrial action.

Shadow Comment

Wes Streeting

The shadow minister criticised the Government for their failure to negotiate seriously on pay, which could prevent this week's strikes. He highlighted nurses' first industrial action in over a century and ambulance workers' impending strike since 1989 as indicative of poor management under Conservative leadership. The Labour Party called for immediate discussions on pay with unions like RCN and Unison to avoid patient suffering.

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