NHS ‘close to overheating’ as unions reveal new strike dates for January

Emergency services see ‘intense’ surge in demand, as fresh walkouts by ambulance staff announced

The NHS is close “overheating completely” during one of its darkest ever winters, health leaders have warned, as union leaders stepped up their pay dispute with Rishi Sunak’s government and announced that more strikes are set to take place in January.

Unison has announced two more days of industrial action involving ambulance staff across England, on 11 and 23 January, and warned of further strikes in the spring if ministers refuse to negotiate on pay.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is also set to reveal January walkout dates for nurses on Friday, as health leaders pleaded with the government to change its stance and get round the table this Christmas.