Over a million National Health Service (NHS) workers in England, including nurses, ambulance workers, physiotherapists, and porters, will receive a 5% pay rise following a deal reached between the government and 14 health unions.

The agreement also includes a one-time payment of £1,655 ($2,000).

The UK health secretary, Steve Barclay, has urged unions opposing the deal, such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Unite, to call off further strikes.

However, the RCN has stated that it will still ballot its nurses on further strike action.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, has also said that her union will continue its strikes and that the current pay offer will not address the significant understaffing issues undermining the NHS.

The UK healthcare system has faced problems due to factors including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (ILKHA)