Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46764 on Industrial Disputes: Trade Unions, if he will make it his policy to suspend (a) facility time and (b) check-off for NHS-recognised trade unions whilst they are on strike.

We have no plans to suspend facility time or check-off for National Health Service recognised trade unions whilst they are on strike.

It is for the local NHS employers and trade unions to agree on the approach to facility time during any period of industrial action. NHS trade union representatives would normally hold contracts with their individual NHS employer.