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Ambulance workers spared frontline cuts

AMBULANCE workers in north-west England were celebrating victory yesterday after bosses suspended cuts to front-line services.

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust had proposed to withdraw some emergency vehicles from service and downgrade other vehicles. 

Public service union Unison campaigned against the plan, winning 11,000 signatures on a petition to Downing Street.

Unison argued that the cuts would increase waiting times for ambulances and ultimately cost lives. 

The Trust now says it has received additional temporary funding until March, meaning the proposals will not be implemented this year. 

Angela Rayner, Unison North West Regional Convener, said: “It’s great that people power has been successful and these cuts have been suspended. However, we must remain vigilant as the funding is temporary. We may need a similar campaign next year to protect our services.” 

Across the Pennines 1,500 Unison Yorkshire ambulance workers are balloting on strike action over longer shifts and increased workloads.

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