North East ambulance crews reject meal deal

Members of public services union UNISON in the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) have rejected an offer of a £35 payment for every lunch break interrupted by an emergency call.

The union had recommended acceptance (see last month's Workplace Report), but 70% of members voted to wait until negotiations on a national settlement are completed. No start date for these negotiations has yet been set.

NEAS says that the payment will remain on offer if crews wish to review their position.