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Same 95 per cent of NHS staff had already accepted settlements at about the level presently on offer to NUPE, most recently including Works Officers. Some short term unpopularity in weathering the dispute was unavoidable, but it was essential that NUPE's claim should not be conceded.
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e. The experience of the dispute seemed certain to accelerate a development already under way in the Ambulance Service, for example in Northumberland, in which the
Ambulance Service focussed on meeting accident and emergency and para-medical needs, and routine non-emergency functions were contracted out to private firms. The long-term effect
the dispute might well therefore be a reduction in meance workers' jobs.
f While a flexible approach to the settlement of the dispute was right, care should be taken about any suggestions for a no strike arrangement with ambulance workers NOPE
OPE was known to oppose this, but it would anyway be wrong to concede such an arrangement as a consequence of strike action Particular care should be taken about any suggestion for establishing new arrangements on the lines of those for the ice.
g.
Although there was no early end to the dispute in sight, there were ber of possible developments in
prospect. One,
One, for example, was that the legal status of the action being taken NUPE in London could come into question. Another was
Another was that a separate settlement might be reached with the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel. The disputes evealing a good deal about discreditable working praics by ambulance staff, which could be brought to public attention. Moreover, it should not be overlooked that the extent of the industrial action by NUPE made incredible its not to be taking strike action.
i. The dispute was not general having an adverse effect on hospitals, although it had led to some beds being blocked because of difficulties in discharging patients. A good deal of use was being made of hospital and taxis, and many patients were succeeding in making their own way to hospital.
Its ent moves
j. Pressure on the Union was mounting. were a sign that its earlier action had failed to have an effect; its members were now losing money; and Christmas was approaching. Substantial sums in back pay would be due to staff the moment a settlement was reached and it woord be worth drawing attention to this in the House of Commons debate.
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