Thousands Of UK Nurses Hold Massive Day-Long Strike For Better Wages. In Pics

Over 100,000 nursing staff are taking part in strikes in England, Northern Ireland and Wales in protest against pay cuts due to inflation and concerns over patient safety.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on the picket line outside the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Liverpool

Thousands of nurses employed in UK’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) took to streets in the biggest strikes in history to demand better pay and working conditions amid a cost-of-living crisis. (Image: Getty)

Over 100,000 nursing staff are taking part in strikes in England, Northern Ireland and Wales in protest against what they say is years of real-terms pay cuts due to inflation and concerns over patient safety. (Image: Getty)

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has been campaigning for a pay hike and demanding that the government allow NHS to recruit and retain the nursing staff it desperately needs. (Image: Getty)

"For many of us, this is our first time striking and our emotions are really mixed. The NHS is in crisis, the nursing profession can’t take any more, our loved ones are already suffering,” said Pat Cullen, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). (Image: Getty)

"It is not unreasonable to demand better. This is not something that can wait. We are committed to our patients and always will be,” Pat Cullen further said. (Image: Getty)

Nursing staff shortages in NHS over the years have meant foreign recruits from countries such as India remain in constant demand. The latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) data shows 37,815 Indian nurses on the council's register of those qualified to work in the UK, up from 28,192 the previous year. (Image: Getty)

“Our nurses are incredibly dedicated to their job and it is deeply regrettable some union members are going ahead with strike action,” said Health Secretary Steve Barclay. (Image: Getty)