The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has paused strike action after agreeing to enter intensive talks with the government.

Health secretary Steve Barclay will meet with the union tomorrow to begin talks.

A government spokesperson said: “The government and Royal College of Nursing have agreed to enter a process of intensive talks. Both sides are committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement that recognises the vital role that nurses and nursing play in the National Health Service and the wider economic pressures facing the United Kingdom and the prime minister’s priority to halve inflation. The talks will focus on pay, terms and conditions, and productivity enhancing reforms.

“The Health Secretary will meet with the Royal College of Nursing on Wednesday to begin talks. The Royal College of Nursing will pause strike action during these talks.”

The news came after the BMA today announced planned strike action next month.

Strike action by NHS workers in Scotland has been paused after a new pay offer from the government.