19 September 2023 , 09:27
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Doctors and nurses could be made to work on strike days under Government plans to introduce minimum service level (MSL) regulations - and we want to know what you think.
The Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said the regulations, which are open to consultation, would require doctors and nurses to provide a certain level of cover after being issued with a “work notice” by employers on what is needed to maintain “necessary and safe levels of service”.
The controversial legislation, which passed in July, means that when workers lawfully vote to strike in health, education, fire, transport, border security and nuclear decommissioning, they could still be forced to go into work - and could even be sacked if they fail to comply.
Mr Barclay confirmed last night that the Government will consult on making some doctors and nurses work during strike action. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, the consultation will consider "introducing MSLs that would cover urgent, emergency and time-critical hospital-based health services – which could cover hospital staff including nurses and doctors.”
It follows a consultation earlier this year on introducing (MSLs) in ambulance services, bringing the UK in line with countries like France and Italy whose services continue in times of industrial action. The announcement comes as NHS Providers, which represents health managers, has warned the health service is in “uncharted territory” as it faces four days of strikes by doctors in England, with thousands of patient appointments expected to be cancelled.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Meanwhile, trade union leaders have reported the UK Government to the UN workers' rights watchdog over the legislation, which they believe is in breach of international law. Unions representing millions of workers overwhelmingly voted to resist the legislation at the Trades Union Congress in Liverpool last week.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has said the government has “deliberately run down the health service over the last 10 years” and that the proposals “stifle the right for doctors to act collectively and fight for better pay and conditions”. NHS bosses have warned the decision "risks worsening industrial relations" at a critical time.
Saffron Cordery, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Providers said: “The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, subsequent consultation on the detailed implementation as well as the consultation announced today risks worsening industrial relations at a time when we need government and unions to get around the table and enter into talks to avert further escalation and disruption to patient care.”
She added that it “doesn’t address any of the issues underlying current strike action, including dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions”.
Mr Barclay said: “This week’s coordinated and calculated strike action will create further disruption and misery for patients and NHS colleagues. My top priority is to protect patients and these regulations would provide a safety net for trusts and an assurance to the public that vital health services will be there when they need them.”
Do you support the proposed regulations that would see some doctors and nurses to work during strikes? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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