UK: Nurses employed by the National Health Service to strike in England, April 30-May 1

Event

Unionized National Health Service nurses plan industrial action across England, April 30-May 1, to demand increased pay. Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union will strike from 20:00 April 30 to 23:59 May 1. The action was shortened by 24 hours after a legal challenge by the government. Nurses represented by Unison, the largest union, have already accepted a pay deal and so will not join the strike action. Healthcare authorities assure that essential emergency medical services will remain available throughout the strike. The impact of the strike will vary by regional health authority.

Unless averted, the strike will prompt disruptions to healthcare services, including a reduction in available services and cancelations of routine appointments. Disruptions could persist following strike days as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients. Demonstrations outside medical facilities are likely, given that May 1 is International Workers' Day, and could cause localized disruptions.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments in England April 30-May 1. Avoid all protests as a routine security procedure.