Public Sector Strikes
My response to concerns about strikes
February 2023
Thank you for contacting me about the current strike action.
These are challenging times for all. It is my view that we could do better without industrial action.
Regarding nurses and healthcare workers
I hope that they can contribute their views to the current review process which we understand should increase nurses’ pay in four months’ time.
If there has been misjudgement or miscommunication on either side, this should be corrected.
The Government has recognised this too and has accepted the recommendations of the independent NHS Pay Review Body in full.
Regarding teachers:
it is extremely disappointing that the National Education Union (NEU), one of the trade unions representing the teaching profession, announced its intention to strike.
After two years of disrupted education due to the Covid-19 pandemic, every single day spent in school with experienced teachers who know their students makes a difference to a child’s development.
In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor confirmed that schools in England will receive an additional £2 billion of funding next year and the year after. This will be the highest real terms spending on schools in history, totalling £58.8 billion by 2024/25. Of course, that does not mean that teachers are not facing pressure, but this is not a sector starved of investment.
We share in hope that this matter is resolved as soon as possible, so we can continue to prioritise the care of patients and education of our young minds.
Thank you again for your email.