The GMC's and NMC's positions on industrial action
The General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have shared statements regarding industrial action for the professions they regulate.
The GMC
As the regulator for doctors practising in the UK, the GMC has published a statement on its ethical hub with guidance around industrial action. The statement is framed around the GMC's earlier guidance, Good medical practice.
You can find the statement regarding industrial action on the GMC website.
The NMC
As the nursing and midwifery regulator, the NMC has updated its existing statement on industrial action. The statement covers how industrial action, including strike action, relates to the NMC Code of conduct for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Key takeaways from the statement include:
- Nursing and midwifery professionals have the right to take part in lawful industrial action, including strike action.
- The code of conduct still applies to the people on the register while they’re taking part in industrial action or are on strike. This means the standards and behaviours that the public has a right to expect from their nurses, midwives and nursing associates continue to apply.
- Employers will provide guidance for staff who work during the time. Employers have a key role in planning for continuity of services and timely person-centred care during industrial action.
The latest update also includes frequently asked questions for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Read the statement in full on the NMC website, alongside the 2014 statement and the 2019 statement.
