UNITE FIGHTING FOR NHS JOBS, PAY AND TO SAVE OUR NHS - 22 APRIL 2026, LONDON SW1
SAVE OUR NHS- STOP THE CUTS
We must never forget just how close the NHS came to collapse during the
height of the Covid pandemic and only narrowly avoided it because of the
extraordinary efforts of healthcare workers across the UK.
This from the Covid inquiry.
Cuts are the wrong prescription for our NHS
NHS cuts are taking many forms, including voluntary redundancy, down-
banding, working above your banding and lack of backfill for absences.
To fight back, we must organise locally, build coordinated campaigns, and
use every tool available, including taking strike action if necessary.
OUR DEMANDS: The government must:
• Stop the mass job cuts immediately – cutting an already overstretched
workforce will put patient care at risk and push staff to breaking point.
• Respect and implement the Covid inquiry recommendations including
Urgent and emergency care capacity should be increased to
make sure hospitals can manage future surges in demand.
Support for healthcare workers should be strengthened
to ensure staff retention and improved resilience.
This means NO dangerous NHS cuts.
• Review and revise the headcount reduction directive – workforce
planning must reflect current population growth rates, rising services
demand and not be based on the flawed assumption that pre-Covid
staffing levels were sufficient.
• Respect and protect the vital role of non-clinical staff – it’s time to end
the false divide that diminishes their vital contribution to safe and effective
care and stand up to protect both clinical and non-clinical roles from cuts.
The bedrock of the NHS is the hard work and dedication of its staff.
Cuts to their jobs, pay or conditions, hurts them and undermine our NHS.
Cuts must be reversed and workers supported to ensure the NHS provides all the services our communities deserve.
UNITE FIGHTING FOR NHS JOBS, PAY AND TO SAVE OUR NHS