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Physicians

NHS Strikes: A Perfect Storm of Unrest

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is facing a perfect storm of unrest, with nurses and doctors planning to go on strike simultaneously towards the end of the year. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is expected to reject the independent pay review board's recommended pay rise of 3.6 per cent, which is already barely sufficient to keep up with inflation. The GMB union, representing domestic and auxiliary staff, ambulance crews, and other NHS workers, is also making similar noises about industrial action. The strikes, if they happen, could lead to severe disruptions to the NHS, including severe backlogs and damage to public confidence in the institution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RCN is holding a consultative ballot on the independent pay review board's recommended pay rise of 3.6 per cent, which is expected to be rejected by nurses.
  • The GMB union is planning to take industrial action, including strikes, towards the end of the year, with the possibility of simultaneous strikes with nurses.
  • A pay rise of 1 per cent, or around £1bn, is considered to be unlikely given the state of the public finances.
  • Public opinion is a key factor in determining support for strike action, with support for the doctors' strike subsiding.
  • The NHS is facing significant challenges, including severe backlogs and damage to public confidence in the institution.
  • Radical changes, including privatization, have been proposed by some, including Nigel Farage, but these would not necessarily be in the best interests of NHS workers.

Statistics:

  • The NHS pay bill was around £82bn in 2023-24 for England and Wales, about a half of the NHS budget.
  • A 1 per cent uplift in pay is the best part of £1bn.
  • The NHS has seen record numbers of requests for doctors to work during strikes.
  • The NHS is expected to see a significant increase in severe disruptions, including severe backlogs and damage to public confidence in the institution.

Sources:

  • Royal College of Nursing (RCN) (no date)
  • GMB Union (no date)
  • NHS (no date)
  • The Guardian (no date)
  • The Telegraph (no date)
  • BBC News (no date)

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