Thousands of National Health Service (NHS) employees, including nurses, paramedics, and support staff, have gone on strike across the United Kingdom demanding higher pay and better working conditions.
Unions say inflation and staff shortages have made the situation unsustainable, leading to burnout and patient care delays. Hospitals across England, Wales, and Scotland are operating with limited capacity, and emergency services have been stretched thin.
The UK government has urged unions to return to negotiations, citing fiscal constraints, but public sentiment appears to favor the healthcare workers. Analysts note that the strikes could pressure Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration, already facing criticism over cost-of-living issues.
This wave of unrest mirrors similar protests in Europe and the U.S., where healthcare professionals are demanding reform following the pandemic’s long-term impact.
