Junior doctors’ strike: do nurses have to pick up the workload?
Posted 04 January 2024 - 14:15
A fresh wave of NHS industrial action is likely to impact nursing workloads as many nurses will be working on wards also staffed by junior doctors
Junior doctors are staging the longest walkout in NHS history as their dispute over pay and working conditions continues.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) began a six-day strike at 7am on Wednesday 3 January and due to last until 7am on Tuesday 9 January after the union and the government failed to reach an agreement on pay.
A number of hospitals have called for striking doctors to return to work as services face significant pressure. When making derogation requests, NHS trusts are expected to show they have exhausted all other staffing options.
So far the BMA has not approved any derogation requests as it says NHS England and some trusts have refused to provide evidence that all other options have been looked at.
We have written to @AmandaPritchard to raise serious concerns about the way that @NHSEngland are engaging with the national derogations system and we are seeking her urgent intervention. Read the letter: https://t.co/UmCYlY2OEq pic.twitter.com/2pIzUOvcAf
— The BMA (@TheBMA) January 3, 2024
The industrial action is likely to directly impact nursing workloads, as many will be working on wards also staffed by junior doctors.
While colleagues take to the picket line, are nurses expected to pick up work that is not theirs?
The RCN advises nurses not to undertake any work that is outside of their professional competency or contractual obligations.
In a guide to industrial action by other unions, shared with RCN members, the college also states nurses should not undertake any voluntary overtime to cover striking colleagues, or take on any bank or agency shifts to cover the work of those involved in industrial action.
What if my manager asks me to cover striking colleagues’ work?
In short, your manager cannot expect you to complete work outside of your job role or contract. By doing so you could be undermining the industrial action of your colleagues.
‘You cannot be made or required to undertake work that is outside of your contract of employment. Your employer will have had ample time to make arrangements to cope with any industrial action in your workplace,’ the RCN guidance states.
‘We would ask that you support the lawful industrial action of colleagues by not undertaking extra contractual work and/or voluntary overtime.’
What should I do if work feels unsafe and delivering care is difficult?
Industrial action by other colleagues is likely to have an impact on staffing capacity. Your employer should have put measures in place to minimise the impact of walkouts and continue the delivery of safe care.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act employers have a duty to protect the mental and physical well-being of staff.
If you have any concerns or difficulties in delivering care you should report this to your manager immediately. It is also a good idea to notify your union representative so they have a record of staff concerns.
Can you support colleagues on the picket line?
Many nurses will want to show solidarity with striking colleagues as they are all fighting for the same thing – better pay and working conditions in the NHS. You can support your colleagues on the picket line as long as it does not disrupt from your duties at work. Your employer cannot stop you from visiting a picket line on your break or on a day off.
One way you can show support is by bringing food, refreshments and other supplies to the picket line. A warm cup of tea will always be a welcome treat.
But it is important to remember that if you do no attend work when another union is striking you will be in breach of your contract and could face disciplinary action.
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