I well remember the 1970s wave of economic unrest and having to work a three-day week. We now have a ‘Summer of Discontent’ which is now threatening to spread from the railways across the public services, as unions representing NHS workers, teachers, barristers, postmen and even GPs threaten walkouts and industrial action over pay this summer.
This puts cancer patients and now long awaited and overdue cancer screenings at risk.
Unison is one of the UK’s largest unions, providing public services in the, NHS and other public and private sectors. Their general secretary Christina McAnea said last week: “The government has a simple choice. Either it makes a sensible pay award, investing in staff and services and reducing delays for patients, or it risks a potential dispute, growing workforce shortages and increased suffering for the sick,”
The quality of NHS services is now at stake as inflation and cost of living spiral out of control. NHS Staff are already under severe work pressure and staff shortages. More will leave if they do not receive a fair pay increase.
Keywords: Cancer cancer screening, NHS, Unison, Christina McAnea, teachers.
