[The nurses' strike in the United Kingdom: the reasons, the debate and the implications]

. The nurses' strike in the United Kingdom: an overview of the reasons, debate and implications.

In the UK, where the National Health Service (NHS) was founded, one of the most important and long-lasting strikes in nursing is taking place.

To understand the historical, professional, political/social reasons for the UK nurse's strike.

Historical, scientific literature and data from key informant interviews have been analysed. Data has been summarized narratively.

On 15th December 2022, more than 100,000 NHS nurses went on strike in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales asking for an increased salary; on the 6th and 7th of February and 1st of March the protest has continued. By improving pay, nurses believe the attractiveness of the profession can increase and counteract the loss of nurses who are leaving the public for the private sector, and the lack of attractiveness of the profession towards young people. The strike is organized by the Royal College of Nursing in a structured form which gives nurses precise information on how it should be explained to patients: according to a survey, 79% of the population supports the nurses' strike. However, not all agree with this strike action.

The media, social media and professional debate is passionate with some polarization between who is in favor and who is against. Nurses strike not only for better wages but also to increase patient safety. What we see in the UK today is the result of years of austerity, lack of investment and health priorities: a similar situation experienced in several countries as well.