Responding to the results of the Unison ballot and news that ambulance workers across England likely to strike before Christmas, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Trust leaders have long been preparing for strikes, including the possibility of industrial action by different groups of healthcare workers.

"We need to see the detail of what any action might look like by Unison – including when and where strikes could take place – but as with the upcoming industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing on Thursday 15^th and Tuesday 20^th December, trust leaders will do everything they can to minimise disruption for patients.

"They will however, be understandably concerned about the possibility of prolonged or co-ordinated strike action by health unions in the coming months, with strike action by some nurses and ambulance workers in the run up to Christmas now on the horizon.

"Their priority, as always, remains the safe delivery of care and services for patients during any industrial action and to support the wellbeing of their staff.

"Leaders across the NHS understand how strongly ambulance staff, including 999 call handlers, ambulance technicians, paramedics and their colleagues working for ambulance services feel and why they've got to this point: below-inflation pay awards amid the rising cost of living, severe staff shortages, rising operational pressures and ever-increasing workloads have all taken their toll.

"We are reiterating our plea to both the government and union leaders to get around the table and find an agreed solution as soon as possible to avert strike action.

"Prolonged action is something everyone wants to avoid."