Breakthrough imminent on NHS nurses and ambulance staff pay talks, insiders say

Exclusive: sources close to talks between ministers and health unions in England expect announcement as soon as Thursday

Ministers and health unions are on the verge of a breakthrough in talks to resolve their long-running pay dispute that has triggered a series of NHS strikes in England, with an announcement expected as soon as Thursday, the Guardian has been told.

Sources said positive progress had been made on discussions about the awards for ambulance workers and nurses for both 2022-23 and 2023-24, although uncertainty remained about whether union members would accept the terms when they are balloted.