As of July 28, 2025, nurses in England are not currently on strike, but the prospect of industrial action looms large. Tensions between the UK government and nursing unions continue to escalate after the announcement of a 3.6% pay offer for NHS staff in England for the 2025/26 financial year. This offer has been described as “grotesque” and “insulting” by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and GMB union, prompting widespread unrest across the healthcare workforce.
Why the 2025/26 NHS Pay Offer Has Sparked Outrage
The government’s proposed 3.6% pay increase falls well below inflation, which currently sits at 5.2%, and is markedly lower than the pay settlements agreed for other public sector workers, including teachers and police officers. For frontline NHS nurses, many of whom are already battling burnout, staff shortages, and deteriorating working conditions, this offer has been received not as a token of appreciation, but as a dismissal of their value and sacrifice.
Disproportionate Pay Settlements Across Public Services
The RCN has pointed out that teachers have secured a 6.5% pay rise and police officers up to 7%, making the 3.6% offer to nurses seem especially inadequate. This perceived lack of parity in compensation has further fueled resentment, especially given the high levels of stress and responsibility shouldered by nursing staff during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
RCN Ballot Results and Strike Possibility
In July 2025, the RCN concluded a consultative ballot in which an overwhelming majority of members rejected the pay offer. Although the vote was non-binding, it served as a clear indicator of member sentiment and has paved the way for a potential formal strike ballot later this year.
What a Formal Strike Ballot Means
The RCN has yet to launch a statutory strike ballot, which would be legally required before any industrial action could proceed. However, the union leadership has publicly stated that if the government does not return to the negotiating table with an improved offer, a full strike ballot is likely to follow in late 2025.
Should the RCN proceed with a statutory ballot and achieve the necessary turnout and support threshold, this could result in nationwide strike action by NHS nurses in England for the second time in under three years.
GMB Union Also Rejects Pay Offer and Demands Talks
The GMB union, which represents thousands of NHS health workers including ambulance staff, paramedics, and support roles, has also condemned the government’s offer. GMB has issued a formal demand for urgent pay talks with Health Secretary, citing “deep discontent” among its members and “mounting pressure” on frontline services.
Multi-Union Momentum Could Escalate the Situation
If both RCN and GMB were to coordinate industrial action, the NHS could face one of its most disruptive periods in recent memory. Ambulance crews, nurses, porters, and administrative staff walking out simultaneously could trigger widespread delays and cancellations across the healthcare system.
The Reality for Nurses in England Today
Despite reassurances from the Department of Health and Social Care, nurses are still struggling with underfunding, low staffing levels, and dangerous workloads. Morale remains low, and many newly qualified nurses are either leaving the profession or moving abroad in search of better pay and working conditions.
Retention Crisis Threatens Healthcare Stability
According to the latest NHS Workforce Statistics, over 42,000 nursing vacancies exist across England. Without meaningful reform or investment, this number could rise sharply by the end of 2025. Retention rates are plummeting, with many experienced nurses taking early retirement or switching to agency work to secure better pay.
What the Government Is Saying
The government has defended the 3.6% offer as “affordable and fair”, citing budget constraints and the need to balance public spending. Health Secretary James Cleary has encouraged unions to remain at the table, but has not yet offered any new proposals or indicated a willingness to increase the pay award.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
Public support for nurses remains strong. Polls conducted in July 2025 show that over 65% of the public support strike action by nurses if no better deal is offered. With a general election on the horizon in 2026, the government’s handling of the NHS pay dispute may carry significant political consequences, particularly in marginal constituencies.
What Happens Next: A Timeline for Late 2025
| Date | Expected Developments |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | Continued negotiations or standoff; possible planning for ballot |
| September 2025 | RCN may initiate statutory strike ballot if no deal is reached |
| October–November | Ballot results announced; strike dates could be scheduled |
| December 2025 | Potential start of industrial action by RCN and/or GMB |
Preparing for a Possible Strike: NHS Contingency Planning
Should strikes go ahead, NHS trusts are expected to activate emergency staffing protocols, including:
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Cancelling non-urgent operations and outpatient appointments
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Redeploying managerial or non-striking staff to clinical roles
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Requesting volunteers from private sector providers
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Liaising with the military for ambulance cover (as seen in past strikes)
Union Demands: What Nurses Want
The RCN is calling for:
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A fully funded pay rise that matches or exceeds inflation
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Restoration of pay lost over the last decade
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Legislative guarantees around safe staffing levels
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A long-term workforce plan that includes investment in training and retention
GMB echoes these demands while also seeking additional support for ambulance staff, including improvements in fleet maintenance and investment in mental health support for frontline workers.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Nursing in England
While nurses in England are not currently on strike, the stage is set for major industrial action if government ministers fail to offer a more meaningful deal. The current state of play is one of widespread frustration, clear rejection of current terms, and growing solidarity among unions. As we move toward autumn and winter—typically the NHS’s most pressured period—any strike action could have a serious impact on services and force a reckoning in health policy and funding priorities.
The coming months will be decisive. The voices of nurses are getting louder, and the public continues to stand behind them. Whether the government chooses negotiation or confrontation will determine the future of NHS workforce stability in 2025 and beyond.
