Industrial Action 2025-07-22
2025-07-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows previous strikes that cost £1.7 billion and rescheduled 1.5 million appointments. Strikes are imminent this week.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of industrial action on NHS services, noting that during past resident doctors' strikes elective procedures were usually postponed but now the chief executive of NHS England instructs hospitals to continue these procedures?
NHS leaders have determined that past strikes caused wider harm than previously realised, so routine operations are to continue. Local NHS leaders will decide what is possible given staffing levels. The approach aims to keep priority treatments going without treating planned care as less important.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Healthcare assistants have been underpaid for years, leading to a ballot for strike action by Unison. Staff feel undervalued due to the incorrect pay band.
Is it agreed that healthcare assistants in Blackpool’s NHS trusts are worth as much as those in other parts of the north-west and should be paid correctly? Does the Secretary of State agree with this assessment?
The issue raised is serious. The Department will help resolve the dispute while ensuring fair treatment for all NHS staff, especially those who work hard but are underpaid.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to immediate action or timeline was not provided
Response accuracy