Second physiotherapy strike over pay takes place in Northern Ireland 

The 24 hour strikes are taking place at all seven employers in Northern Ireland today.

The first strike took place on 21 September 2023, after 88 per cent of members voted yes to strike action on a ballot turnout of 55 per cent.

Health and social care staff in Northern Ireland remain the lowest paid across the UK. They are yet to be offered a pay uplift for 2023/24 and without a functioning assembly there has been no way to discuss the non-consolidated award that England received for 2022/23.   

A number of health unions are also striking today as action is taken across a range of sectors, including education and transport.

Commenting on today's strike, Claire Ronald, CSP senior negotiating officer for Northern Ireland, said: 

Yet again our members in Northern Ireland are being put in the difficult position of having to strike over pay. There is not one physiotherapist or support worker in Northern Ireland who wants to strike but they are left with no other way to voice their concerns

'Physio staff and other NHS workers remain the worst-paid in the UK with many struggling to make ends meet as the cost-of-living crisis endures. The devastating result for patients is that many of our members can’t afford to stay in their roles at a time when they are most needed.'

'Physiotherapy staff have not received a pay award for 2023/24 and if the current situation continues there is no prospect of that changing. We also have no way to discuss the non-consolidated award that England received for 2022/23.   

'Our members, along with other workers Northern Ireland, are left in a debilitating limbo by the lack of a functioning assembly. Politicians must urgently resolve their differences and reform the assembly so that a negotiated settlement can be reached. Without this, further strikes are the only way workers can make their voices heard. '

'All members and supporters can show you stand with Health and Social Care staff by tagging #CSP4FairPay on social media.

Physios and support workers must be fairly awarded for the enormous contribution they make