The latest day of strike action by UNISON members was held on 5 October.

Kevin McGee, chief executive, said: ‘We have made a new offer, which theatre colleagues will now vote on. The offer includes higher rates for eligible colleagues who choose to work additional shifts over the next 12 months. We hope there will be no further industrial action while the vote takes place.

‘To provide certainty and stability, the enhanced rates will be guaranteed for 12 months while the NCA works to address the underlying causes of the current pressures affecting its operating theatres.

‘The offer is intended to help resolve the dispute and support safe, stable staffing while we work with colleagues to address the wider issues they have raised. We are also working to reduce reliance on additional voluntary shifts by improving permanent staffing levels and making rotas more stable.'

UNISON North West regional organiser Kevin Dolan said: ‘All staff are asking for is for NCA to pay the overtime rates that are in their contracts when covering staff shortages. 

‘Rather than pay their staff what they are entitled to, NCA are choosing to use taxpayers' money to pay an outside agency.

‘It's up to UNISON members to decide whether or not to accept the offer from NCA.'