Unite, which represents workers in the National Ambulance Service (NAS), today (Monday) said that, following engagement last week, management has now agreed not to proceed with the proposed outsourcing of inter-hospital ambulance transfers to a private provider. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Management’s decision to reverse their outsourcing proposals is a victory for workers and patients and was only secured due to the threat of industrial action.” 

The proposed outsourcing would have contravened the Public Service Agreement (PSA) and threatened both patient safety and workers’ terms and conditions. 

Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said: NAS should now be in no doubt regarding the determination of workers and unions to ensure that vital ambulance services continue to be provided in-house and that the protections against outsourcing in the PSA are complied with.”