South Central Ambulance staff strike over pay in Berks and Bucks

In another day of strikes, workers are disputing pay and staff shortages which they say are 'crippling the service'.

SCAS has reported that of their 4,500 staff, only those who are members of the GMB union are potentially taking part in industrial action today (January 11).

A spokesperson from SCAS said: "As a result, the impact will mainly be on our patient transport service, but there may be some action in our 999 services.

"We are working closely with our local and regional GMB union representatives and staff to minimise as far as possible, the impact of such action on our patients."

Tomorrow some members of our GMB union, which make up 200 of our 4500 staff, will potentially take part in the planned Industrial Action. Take a look at the latest update from our Assistant Director of Operations, Paul Jefferies. More info here: https://t.co/cp05DpeSCx pic.twitter.com/7WwYOEdzmH

— South Central Ambulance Service (@SCAS999) January 10, 2023

GMB representatives have agreed their members will continue to carry out essential services including:

• Patient Transport Services – non-emergency transport for patients such as dialysis, oncology, palliative care and hospital discharges and transfers.
• Ambulance crews – Patients suffering life-threatening/serious emergency situations which make up around 60 per cent of our calls.
• 999/111 control centres 

SCAS spokesperson continued: "We do not expect this strike action to have a significant impact on staffing in our control centres.

"However, GMB has agreed that 75 per cent of their members, who are due on shift on January 11, will continue to work to support essential services within control centres."

The ambulance services have reminded the public to only use 999 for life-threatening or serious emergencies, for non-emergencies call 111 or contact your GP.