The GMB union has called off ambulance service strike action on December 28 due to the overwhelming support shown to workers on the picket lines on Wednesday (December 21).
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “We are overwhelmed by amazing public support for our paramedics and ambulance staff on Wednesday.
“People across the country have been wonderful in backing us and we care so much about them too. That’s why we are suspending the proposed GMB industrial action on the 28th December.
“We know the public will appreciate being able to enjoy Christmas without any additional anxiety. They support us and we support them.
“The workforce crisis in our NHS is so severe and our commitment to getting ambulance staff the proper pay they deserve is stronger than ever, so we are scheduling a further date for action on 11th January 2023.
“The incredible British public are why we are suspending our action over the Christmas period. But, it also means the government can now do what ambulance workers and the public want – get round the table and talk pay now. We are here 24/7. Any time, any place.
“Over to you Steve Barclay. Everyone is waiting.”
In a statement the union added: ”The NHS is on its knees and the public are suffering every day because the government has failed to properly resource and plan for the health service.
“Nowhere is this clearer than in the appalling delays experienced in getting an ambulance and then getting into A&E.
“Solving such problems starts with getting enough people to work in the NHS. Unless the government starts to talk pay now the problems will get worse with every passing day.
“The consequences of the failure to protect the public are scary – one in three ambulance workers have seen a death due to delays and NHS England’s own figures confirm deaths after transfer delays have more than doubled in the last year.”
