Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to prepare for potential industrial action by NHS staff in winter 2022-23.
Officials from the Department, NHS England and NHS Employers are working to ensure system preparedness ahead of any possible industrial action. The Department is responsible for the policy on national pay and terms and conditions of service and is working with NHS England which is accountable for operational planning and assurance. Additionally, the Department is working with NHS Employers which leads national discussions with trade unions, including on derogations at national level and supporting employers locally.