The BBC reports that ambulance staff have announced plans to stage two further strikes in Yorkshire in protest at new shift patterns and staffing arrangements. The Unite union said its members would take industrial action on Friday and Monday, between 15:00 BST and 21:00. It claims the introduction of emergency care assistants and new shift patterns could affect patient safety.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said it was “disappointed” by the announcement.
Unite said under new staffing arrangements emergency care assistants are taking on more responsibilities, including being the first to respond to emergency calls. The union has called for them to be given more training.