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NHS Industrial Action: Government Preparations
12 December 2022
Lead MP
Will Quince
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSTaxationEmployment
Other Contributors: 21
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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