Ambulance staff from the GMB Union at the Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust have overwhelmingly voted to take industrial action over unresolved pay disputes. A significant 94% of voters favoured the strike, with a turnout of nearly 80% voting participants. The most important part of the dispute centres on unpaid back wages related to the London Living Wage, with the union stating that members are owed up to £1,300 each.

In response, an NHS Trust spokesperson assured that all employees are now receiving the London Living Wage as of this month. However, this assurance has not fully addressed the underlying issue of backpay.

GMB Regional Organiser Helen O’Connor stressed the vital role all Ambulance staff play in healthcare, particularly in transporting patients to critical treatments. She expressed regret over the necessity of a strike, attributing it to the trust's failure to settle the wage discrepancies. "Striking is the last resort for our committed members," she explained.

No specific dates for the strike have been set yet, but O’Connor warned that any industrial action could significantly disrupt patient services. The potential strike underscores ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector regarding fair wages and timely payments, which are crucial for maintaining staff welfare and high-quality patient care.