The biggest-ever nursing strike is likely to go ahead, Royal College of Nursing sources have said.
More than 300,000 members of the RCN were voting on industrial action for the first time in its history.
The voting ballot closed on Friday and the official results are set to be released in the coming days however RCN sources say a large majority of nurses have voted in favour of action over pay.
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The RCN are asking for a 5% pay rise above inflation however this demand has currently not been met by the government.
The Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘We value the hard work of NHS staff including nurses, and are working hard to support them, including by giving over one million NHS workers a pay rise of at least £1,400 this year as recommended by the independent NHS Pay Review Body.’
However, RCN Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: ‘Huge numbers of staff, both experienced and newer recruits are deciding they cannot see a future in a nursing profession that is not valued nor treated fairly.’
The government have revealed that they do have contingency plans in place should nurses go on strike before Christmas.
Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden in an interview on Sky news said that in the event of industrial action the NHS would prioritise the most essential services including emergency services.
‘We have well-oiled contingencies in place and the Department of Health is across how we would deal with a scenario like this should it arise.’
Mr Dowden added: ‘Of course, if you are in the situation where you have a large number of nurses going out on strike, of course that is going to have an impact for example on some elective surgery and other activities.’
The minister has urged nurses and others to resist going out on strike even if they have voted to do so.
Ms. Cullen said ‘Our strike action will be as much for patients as it is for nurses. We have their support in doing this.’