UK

Bradford nurses return to the picket line outside hospital


Natasha Meek
Tue, 7 February 2023

Bradford nurses return to the picket line outside hospital (Image: Newsquest)

Bradford nurses have returned to the picket line today (Tuesday, February 7) for another day of strike action.

These were the scenes outside Bradford Royal Infirmary as nurses gathered together with placards and banners.

The upheaval followed the largest strike in NHS history on Monday as tens of thousands of workers in England staged walkouts.


These included members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) alongside GMB and Unite paramedics, call handlers and other staff at ambulance trusts.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 'Vote for Larry!' - nurses' strike sign reads

'Vote for Larry!' - nurses' strike sign reads (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Bradford nurses go on strike: 'Claps don't pay our bills'

Union leaders have implored ministers to act to prevent further strike action, but ministers in England have indicated that they will not budge on one of the main points of contention – pay for 2022/23.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, said the Government should open negotiations on pay or face a “constant cycle” of walkouts.

'We want to ensure the future of the NHS': Bradford nurses on why they're striking

On 2022/23 pay, Ms Graham added: “They can’t just always sing ‘la la la la la’ and hope that the year goes by and we will forget what’s happened. This year’s pay needs to be addressed.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lucy holds her dog Otis and a placard

Lucy holds her dog Otis and a placard (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

But during a visit to Kingston Hospital in south-west London, the Health Secretary appeared to rule out coming to a new agreement on 2022/23 pay.

Mr Barclay said: “We have been discussing this coming year – from April – pay with the unions,” he said.

'If we keep quiet it will stay the same': BRI nurse on why she's going on strike

“We have this process through the pay review body; it’s an independent process and we’re keen to get the evidence so that that reflects the pressure that the NHS has been under and the wider context in terms of inflation.

“I don’t think it’s right to go back to last year, back to April, retrospectively.”