Breakthrough in NHS salary negotiations ‘near’ – report

The Guardian reported that an announcement could come as early as Thursday after talks with unions representing nurses and ambulance workers are said to have made positive progress.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the discussions had been “constructive and meaningful” and talks are still ongoing.

The development comes after the Royal College of Nursing last month agreed to suspend industrial action while it entered intense negotiations with ministers for other health unions to follow.

The Guardian said negotiations had covered the awards for 2022-23 and 2023-24, with Health Secretary Steve Barclay present for much of the discussion.

However, the newspaper said there was uncertainty as to whether members would accept the terms of an offer if they came to the polls.

A DHSC spokesman said: “Government, NHS employers and unions representing the NHS agenda for workforce change have had constructive and meaningful discussions on pay and non-pay matters.

“These talks are ongoing.”