Nurse strikes in England end as vote turnout too low

Strike action by nurses at the Royal College of Nursing will not continue after the union's ballot of its members in England failed to achieve a mandate.

While the majority of members voted to continue to take industrial action, the numbers taking part in the vote were too low for it to count.

Just over 43% too part - below the 50% threshold required.

The RCN balloted its members after the previous six-month mandate for strike action had expired.

Its members were among a minority of health staff who rejected the government's pay deal of a 5% rise this and a lump sum of at least £1,655.

Members of Unison - the biggest NHS union - and those belonging to the bodies representing physios and midwives also backed the deal, which has now started to be paid.

It means only Unite in England has a mandate for strike action - and that is only for local strikes among some ambulance staff and support workers.

The Royal College of Radiographers is still balloting its members.

This pay deal and dispute is separate to the one involving members of the British Medical Association as doctors are on a different contract.

Junior doctors are due to take part in five-day strike next month, while the results of the strike ballot of consultants closed on Tuesday. An announcement on that is due soon.

Members of the RCN have taken part in eight days of strikes since the start of December.

They have involved around half of front-line services.

The RCN is continuing to take strike action in Wales where a different deal was rejected. The union is also seeking a new six-month mandate to continue the walkouts.

An offer by ministers in Scotland was accepted by RCN members earlier in the year.