The National Health Service (NHS) has initiated a legal challenge to prevent a planned 48-hour strike by tens of thousands of nurses. The strike, organised by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), is scheduled to start on the night shift of 30 April and continue until 2 May.

NHS Employers claim that the second day of the strike falls outside of the mandate, making the action unlawful.

The RCN secured support for the strikes in a vote held on 2 November, giving the union six months to take industrial action. NHS Employers, backed by the UK government, argue that the strike mandate ends at midnight on 1 May, and have requested the RCN amend their guidance for the planned action. The RCN claims the action is lawful and is prepared to resist attempts to block the strike with a high court injunction.

The pay dispute between the government and the RCN has intensified, with 54% of the RCN members rejecting the government’s offer of a 5% pay rise for this year and a cash payment for the last year. The RCN is also seeking a second legal mandate to continue strike action from June to December.

RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen has requested a meeting with Health Secretary Steve Barclay, yet no meeting has taken place.

The escalating tensions between the government and the nursing union could lead to a high court clash, reflecting the increasingly bitter relationship between the UK government and those representing frontline health service workers.