After a tough winter of industrial action, there could finally be a breakthrough in talks between ministers and NHS worker unions. 'Constructive and meaningful' discussions have been taking place in a bid to end the long-running pay dispute affecting England's health service.
The Guardian on Wednesday night (March 15) reported that there could be an announcement as early as Thursday. It follows talks between unions representing nurses and ambulance staff, which were said to have made positive progress.
Last month, the Royal College of Nursing agreed to suspend industrial action while it entered into intensive negotiations with ministers, to be followed by other health unions.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says talks remain ongoing. READ MORE: Major road taped off after reports man was 'hit by lorry' and killed at busy junction The Guardian says the negotiations have covered pay awards for 2022-23 and 2023-24, with Health Secretary Steve Barclay present for much of the discussion.