Two-thirds of public support nurses strike ahead of historic walkout ballot

The Royal College of Nurses is set to elect 300,000 members this month for the first time in its 100-year history as poll data shows 64 % of public support strikes

The Royal College of Nurses is expected to vote 300,000 members later this month (file image) (

Image: Getty Images)

Nearly two-thirds of the public back the nurses' strikes as pressure mounts on the new PM to deliver a fair pay deal.

A poll released today found that 64% supported a possible strike, while two-thirds believe there are not enough nurses to provide safe care.

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Later this month, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will vote 300,000 healthcare workers for the first time in its 100-year history.

The union today announced a support scheme for members taking industrial action, with picket line staff to receive £50 a day in the event of a strike.

Yesterday Health Secretary Steve Barclay - who is expected to be replaced when a new prime minister is announced next week - said he had held discussions with the Treasury, options for salaries to be presented to the next government.

Fair pay for nurses will be one of the big issues facing the new Prime Minister (file image) (

Picture:

Adam Gerrard / Sunday Mirror)

Dealing with potential NHS strikes will be one of the first headaches the new PM will face.

A YouGov poll found that 64% of the population now support striking nurses, up from 60% in June.

The survey of over 1,700 Britons also found that the number of those who said they were confident that they or a loved one would receive good care in the NHS is down to just half (56%) compared to more than two-thirds (68%) in June.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) said this was due to a lack of nurses and nurses to provide safe care, while more than half (55%) say the waiting contribute to concerns.

RCN Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: "Strikes are not the first choice of anyone, especially nurses. We have joined the profession to care for people, to stand up for our patients and the care they deserve - and by this vote we say they deserve...