Responding to a YouGov survey today showing that a majority of the public support nursing staff taking industrial action, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
"Would-be prime ministers need to look at this and plan for an urgent change of course.
"We will be balloting our members and public support is already growing. They know that nursing staff are patients’ greatest advocates and this support runs both ways. They are joining us in saying enough is enough.
"Government is refusing to recognise the skill and responsibility of the job. And they are pushing people out of the profession.
"A lifetime of service must never mean a lifetime of poverty. This real-terms pay cut for our members is a national disgrace."
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Notes to Editors
- The YouGov survey released today showed that 60% of the public either strongly or somewhat support nurses taking industrial action, versus 32% that either strongly or somewhat oppose. The full data set and story is available on YouGov's website here.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.
For more information, contact the RCN press office at 020 7647 3633 or email mediateamhq@rcn.org.uk
