Royal College of Nursing members are to stage a 48-hour from 30 April to 2 May after rejecting an NHS pay offer.

The move followed the announcement that UNISON ambulance and nurse members had accepted the 5% pay rise and one-off bonus payment.

Over half (54%) of RCN members voted to reject the offer in a 61% turnout.

In a letter to health & social care secretary Steve Barclay, RCN general secretary & chief executive Pat Cullen, said: “What has been offered to date is simply not enough. The government needs to increase what has already been offered and we will be highly critical of any move to reduce it.   

“Until there is a significantly improved offer, we are forced back to the picket line. Meetings alone are not sufficient to prevent strike action and I will require an improved offer as soon as possible. In February, you opened negotiations directly with me and I urge you to do the same now. 

“After a historic vote to strike, our members expect a historic pay award.”

A government spokesperson said: “It is hugely disappointing that the Royal College of Nursing membership has rejected the pay deal recommended by their leadership. Following constructive discussions, all parties agreed this was a fair and generous offer which is demonstrated by UNISON, representing the largest share of the NHS workforce, choosing to accept it.

“The fact that the Royal College of Nursing has announced an escalation in strike action with no derogations, based on a vote from the minority of the nursing workforce, will be hugely concerning for patients.

“Hundreds of thousands of Agenda for Change staff continue to vote in ballots for other unions over the next two weeks and we hope this generous offer secures their support.”

NHS Providers director of communications Adam Brimelow said: “The RCN vote is a setback and it’s extremely worrying.

“It is positive, though, that a large proportion of UNISON’s members voted to accept the pay deal.  

“Members of other unions are still voting on the government’s pay offer. The offer was not just for nurses, but all NHS staff (excluding doctors and the most senior leaders). The result of their votes will also be important.

“Safe and effective patient care, the top priority for NHS trust leaders and staff, is harder to guarantee amid escalating strikes.

“This week’s four-day walkout by junior doctors has seen hundreds of thousands of appointments and procedures postponed and staff cover spread too thinly despite trusts’ best efforts to manage the risk.

“Trust leaders understand the frustration of nurses, junior doctors and other staff who have seen their pay fall behind inflation year after year.

“It’s really important that the unions and government find a way through this to prevent more strikes and let the NHS focus on its big challenges including cutting waiting lists and transforming services, instead of having to resort to ‘all hands on deck’ just to get through the day.”