East of England Ambulance Service Trust strikes called off

Ambulance staff will no longer strike after proposed changes to working arrangements were scaled back, according to a union.

The GMB Union raised concerns from members over proposals to introduce team-based working at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, where it has more than 1,500 members.

The ambulance service confirmed that it has been working with unions to “solve key challenges that staff have raised”.

These changes would have had a “major impact on work-life balance” and “risked discriminating against people with caring responsibilities, as well as those with disabilities”, the union claimed.

GMB members also raised concerns that the proposals had not been communicated properly to staff and could have a “detrimental impact on patients and the public”.

GMB says that it challenged the proposals both informally and through a formal ACAS process, but these ended without resolution.

In response, Neill Moloney, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We’ve agreed with our unions to work together to solve the key challenges our staff have raised.

“These include better access to line managers, stronger clinical training, and more predictable shift patterns. These are real and pressing needs, and we’re committed to addressing them.”

However, the newly appointed CEO is believed to have stepped in and agreed to scrap team-based working, averting looming strikes which would have impacted the Christmas period.

But Mr Moloney said: “The proposal for team-based Working aligned managers and their teams on the same shifts to improve support, time for training and team development.

“From the outset, we committed to honouring existing and providing new flexible working arrangements.

“We have listened to feedback and will look at a new proposal in the new year, co-designed with our colleagues, that protects existing flexible working arrangements and aims to minimise disruption to personal lives.

“This will be part of an ongoing, open dialogue with our staff to create a lasting solution.”

Donna Thomas, GMB regional NHS organiser, said: “It is a breath of fresh air that, after five years of declining culture within the EEAST, Neill Moloney has decided to take a different approach.

"He has listened to the workforce and shown he cares about them more than statistics.

“GMB looks forward to working with him to improve the well-being of our members, which will positively impact patient care.”

The ambulance trust has been approached for comment.