Statement in response to GMB considering strike action
Date: 28 August 2025The Trust has issued the below statement from Neill Moloney, Chief Executive Officer, in response to the press release from GMB London region on potential strike action over team-based working proposals.
Neill Moloney, Chief Executive at East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: "We understand the concerns raised by GMB and are committed to working closely with our staff and unions to get this right.
"Team based working is being designed to better support our people, ensuring everyone has access to a compassionate manager and is part of a supportive, collaborative team.
"We are actively engaging with our people to shape this approach together, aiming to minimise disruption and preserve strong working relationships.
"Above all, patient safety remains our top priority. Any changes will be carefully planned to ensure we continue delivering the highest standards of care."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Currently crews may see their line manager and team leader infrequently because working times and patterns do not align.
Our people told us in the national NHS Staff Survey that they wanted more support from managers and to feel valued by their team.
If EEAST implements team-based working the principles will be:
- a dedicated leading operations manager (line manager) and team leader on shift with their team
- people working with a small team
- dedicated team time through meetings or huddles with their team built into their rota
- dedicated training time built into rotas and training will take place in teams
Over a third of our staff currently work 'on relief', meaning they don't receive fixed shift patterns until nine weeks in advance. We recognise the impact this has on their ability to plan and manage their home lives. That's why the Trust is proposing to introduce regular rota patterns for these colleagues, bringing them in line with the two thirds of staff who already benefit from greater predictability and stability. This proposed change is about supporting our people with better work-life balance while continuing to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Team based working will only be introduced after significant involvement from our people in the development of proposals and following full consultation.
