Nursing leader praises Sturgeon for talks

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will not announce dates for strike action in Scotland until after formal pay talks have concluded, its general secretary has said.

Pat Cullen met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday, in what a spokeswoman called a “welcome dialogue”.

Formal talks between NHS staff and management are due to resume next week, with the RCN saying they will only announce action if the talks fall short.

“This morning’s meeting was positive and the Scottish Government is taking the right approach to date – getting to the negotiating table and seeing how this action could be averted,” Ms Cullen said.

“The first minister understood that we have a very strong mandate for action in Scotland and that our members will strike if a satisfactory pay offer is not forthcoming.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “Ms Cullen and the first minister discussed the concerns of nurses, and other NHS staff, in the face of pressures in the cost-of-living crisis.

“Both stressed the importance of continued meaningful engagement on pay, and were disappointed that the UK Government had not recognised the importance of seeking an agreement in the interests of nurses and to avoid industrial action.”

Pat Cullen of the RCN.