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Union leaders warned they will continue to stage walkouts for months to come unless the government agrees to put higher pay on the table. Mr Barclay said talks so far have been \u201cconstructive\u201d and he is keen to discuss what is \u201caffordable and fair\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt is hugely disappointing some ambulance workers are continuing to take industrial action.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we have contingency plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety, there will inevitably be further disruption.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have had constructive talks with unions about this coming year\u2019s pay process for 2023\/24, and am keen to continue talking about what is affordable and fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Up to 15,000 Unison ambulance workers will strike for the third time in five weeks and will be joined by 5,000 of their NHS colleagues at two hospital trusts in Liverpool.<\/p>\n
From 7am, paramedics, emergency care assistants, ambulance technicians, other 999 crew members and control room staff across five services in England \u2013 London, Yorkshire, the North West, North East and South West \u2013 will join picket lines.<\/p>\n
Porters, cleaners, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, theatre staff and other NHS workers at the Liverpool University Hospitals Trust and the city\u2019s Heart and Chest Hospital will also be out on strike.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak insisted he was \u201ccommitted\u201d to improve blue light services after strains on the ambulance service led to long delays for some patients even before strike action.<\/p>\n
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He told The Telegraph: \u201cEveryone calling 999 deserves to feel confident they will get the urgent help they need.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur paramedics, ambulance drivers, police and firefighters do an incredible job keeping us safe, but each service has its unique challenges we must overcome to drive improvement for the public<\/p>\n
\u201cBlue light services that people can rely on are a fundamental aspect of our society, and I am committed to making them work better for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said higher wages would improve staff retention in the NHS, which would lead to better services.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cThe solution to the growing NHS crisis is staring the Government in the face. It\u2019s simple, all the Chancellor needs to do is find the money to pay health workers fairly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public wants the Government to end the dispute, and so do NHS staff, but most ministers look like they\u2019d rather dig in and do nothing instead of boost pay and help turn the ailing NHS around.<\/p>\n
\u201cHigher wages would stop experienced employees leaving for better-paid jobs and encourage more people to come and work in the NHS.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith more staff, ambulance response times would improve, and patient waits for treatment shorten. Everyone would be a winner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McAnea said Chancellor Jeremy Hunt \u201cpushed for fair pay\u201d during his recent role as Health Select Committee chairman but has \u201cchosen to forget all that\u201d since entering the Treasury.<\/p>\n
February 6 is likely to see the biggest strike action the NHS has ever experienced, with thousands of nurses and ambulance workers due to stage walkouts if no deal has been reached by then.<\/p>\n
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said a double-digit pay rise must be offered to striking NHS staff and described the Government as appearing willing to \u201ctalk about anything, but they won\u2019t talk about pay\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ms Graham said the Government must \u201coffer a double-digit pay rise instead of \u201cdancing round their handbags\u201d.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cI think it\u2019s really clear that what we\u2019re talking about is a double-digit pay rise. That\u2019s what we\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Almost 1,000 ambulance workers across the West Midlands in the GMB union will also strike, including paramedics and emergency care assistants.<\/p>\n
NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: \u201cAs with other ambulance strikes, the message to patients remains that it is vital to come forward and seek emergency care if needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes calling 999 for life-threatening emergencies as well as using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople should also continue to use local services such as pharmacies and general practice as they normally would which aren\u2019t impacted by strike action.\u201d<\/p>\n