Health unions in England could suspend strike action to enter talks with the government after the health secretary said he is willing to discuss a one-off payment for this year.

Steve Barclay has sent a letter to health unions setting out the government’s willingness to discuss a “non-consolidated” payment for the current financial year as well as a pay deal for the next financial year in 2023-2024, sources with knowledge of the letter said.

The offer comes after other health unions were angered when the Royal College of Nursing entered “intensive” negotiations with Mr Barclay, meaning they called off last week’s strikes.

But other unions said they were not asked to the talks and threatened to escalate action, with about 32,000 Unison ambulance and nursing staff set to strike next Wednesday, and GMB and Unite ambulance staff to walk out next Monday and on 20 March.

NHS unions have continually asked for help with this financial year’s pay as the cost of living increases, as well as demanding higher wages for next year but the government kept insisting it would only talk about next year.

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