The BBC can reveal how unprecedented discussions led to a deal over one of the most bitter NHS disputes.
It was one of the most bitter disputes in the history of the NHS, with the Royal College of Nursing staging its most extensive strike action ever. But as a deal with ministers was reached in England this week, the BBC can now reveal details of the secret and unprecedented talks.
Strikes by nurses and other health unions - representing paramedics, midwives and other NHS staff - had been triggered when ministers insisted on sticking to the recommendations of the independent pay review body . It had proposed average increases of 4%. The approaches seemed highly unorthodox. Usually it would be obvious whether ministers or officials were making a proposal.
There were shades of international diplomacy and intrigue in the negotiations. Back-channels and deniable contacts had steered a damaging dispute into calmer waters. The result was an intensive series of meetings at the Department of Health and Social Care in Victoria Street, close to Westminster Abbey.
What was also highly unusual was the presence of Treasury officials as well as negotiators from NHS Employers and health staff. It seemed they wanted to keep a close watch on money being offered.Unison's Sara Gorton said it was a unique situation for the health secretary to negotiate directly with unions
For lunch they were taken down to the department's canteen, escorted at all times around the building. Occasionally they nipped out for fresh air and a quick visit to a local sushi bar. One government source describes the secretary of state's style: "What gets him going is seeing a problem through - like a maths problem - he doesn't make a big noise and gets his head down."Health Secretary Steve Barclay was "constructive" in talks, a union source said
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