The first-ever national strike of NHS nurses begins today (15 December) after ministers refused to negotiate on pay.
Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will also walk out 20 December, following claims by the government that it cannot amend salaries proposed by the independent pay body for NHS staff.
Unions had offered to call off the action if a new pay deal could be reached, and the Royal College of Nursing has accused the government of “choosing strike action”. A deal was struck in Scotland that averted strikes earlier this week.
