Yorkshire ambulance dispute finally ends after two years

Members of Unite at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) have taken industrial action in a row over recognition of the union and staffing arrangements.

The dispute saw unionists protesting outside York Hospital last month claiming the ambulance service was putting patients’ “lives at risk” by silencing whistle blowers - a claim strongly denied by service.

Unite said it has been inundated with concerns about the service, after setting up a whistle-blowing website for the public and workers to raise concerns,

But today the two sides issued a joint statement which said: “Both parties are resolved to settle all outstanding issues and return immediately to a normalised working relationship.

“The priority of both YAS and Unite is to ensure the delivery of a first-class ambulance service for the people of Yorkshire and Humberside.

“In acknowledgement of the fact that both parties have committed to building a constructive working relationship, an agreement has now been reached that will see Unite formally re-recognised by the Trust.

“Both parties will now work together on all relevant issues to safeguard the interests and safety of patients.

“Both YAS and Unite are now looking forward to forging a new relationship based on mutual respect and a commitment to the people of Yorkshire and Humberside.”

YAS earlier said it strongly refuted the “misleading claims” of the Union, which represents eight per cent of staff.