NURSES have “unwavering” public support for further strike action in their continuing dispute with the government over pay, staffing and working conditions, a survey revealed today.

The YouGov poll revealed that the public would support nurses withdrawing their labour next year over staffing levels (73 per cent), pay (66 per cent) and threats to patient safety caused by nurse shortages (85 per cent).

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which commissioned the poll, said it remained in dispute over NHS nurses’ pay in England after the government imposed a pay settlement.