The Health Secretary Steve Barclay has confirmed that the government is applying to the High Court to declare one day of the Royal College of Nursing’s 48-hour planned strike action as “unlawful”
In a statement just issued Barclay said
“Following a request from NHS Employers, I have regretfully provided notice of my intent to pursue legal action to ask the courts to declare the Royal College of Nursing’s upcoming strike action planned for 30 April to 2 May to be unlawful.”
“The government firmly believes in the right to strike, but it is vital that an industrial action is lawful and I have no choice but to take action. Strike action with no national exemptions agreed, including for emergency and cancer care, will also put patient safety at risk.”
“This legal action also seeks to protect nurses who could otherwise be asked to take part in unlawful activity that could in turn put their professional registration at risk and would breach the requirements set out in the nursing code of conduct.”
