The largest survey carried out by Nursing Times reveals, of the 5,000 respondents, 26% or one in four nurses would consider going on strike, over concerns regarding job security and unsatisfactory working conditions.

Only 15% said industrial action was not an option, while the majority or 67% said they would adopt the policy of work to rule e. g. leaving work the minute their shift ended or when their breaks began.

England has been witness to a national all-out nursing strike, though the current survey by Nursing Times’ demonstrates the insecurities and determination of nurses to protect jobs and services, amidst plans for a massive NHS shake-up and efforts to save £20 billion.

While, answering the survey 38% of the nurses agreed most strongly with the statement: ‘I feel insecure in my job. I feel scared I will be laid off.’

In contrast, 50% strongly disagreed with the statement: ‘I feel optimistic about the future of nursing in the NHS.’

Linda Nazarko , Nursing Consultant for Ealing and Harrow provider services said the scale of change planned for the NHS had left nurses extremely fearful, and despite nursing having no history of taking industrial action, the nursing ranks were deeply worried about their jobs.

The survey revealed the difficulty in organising effective action without compromising patient care.

Nurses working in mental health and intensive care appeared most likely to consider going on strike, with 40% and 39% respectively saying they were prepared for the eventuality.

Practice nurses, healthcare assistants and nursing directors seemed the least likely to take any action, including protesting outside working hours. Approximately, half the nurses felt industrial action must never affect patient care or services. Over a quarter agreed industrial action would only work, if patient care and services were affected.

While, the majority of nurses said they would consider taking industrial action, 44% were prepared to secure their jobs by sacrificing a pay hike, with 70% saying they would be pushed towards industrial action if patient care was compromised due to spending cuts.

In relation to pay cuts, 58% would take industrial action, while worsening of pension terms would instigate 53% into doing so.

As Nursing Times has previously revealed, pay increments of nurses with poor sick absentism track records are being withheld by trust, who are also suggesting pay cuts in return for job security.

As part of a savings programme, last week all 3,000 staff at Liverpool Primary Care Trust were offered options, such as voluntary redundancy or working part time.