Thursday's NHS strike called off after improved pay offer

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that the offer would 'not increase' the NHS pay bill next year (Getty Images)

Thursday’s planned NHS strike has been called off after the Government raised its pay offer to health workers.

Health unions said they would consult members over a potential deal which would see all staff earning up to pay Band 8B (£45,707 to £56,504) get a one per cent pay rise this year, with bigger uplifts for the lowest paid staff.

Christina McAnea, UNISON’s head of health and lead negotiator for the unions, said that previous strike action staged last year had “moved the government to negotiate”.

“This isn't a great offer but it addresses some of the key concerns unions have about low pay in the NHS. In the interest of patients' safety unions will now consult members,” she said.

The Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that the offer would “not increase” the NHS pay bill next year.