Health visitor strike to end after deal reached

A deal has been reached to end a nine‑month strike by health visitors in Wales, enabling staff to return to work next week. The settlement was negotiated between Unite union and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which will introduce a new specialist health‑visitor post, described by the union as a "historic pay win".

About 100 health visitors have been on strike since February over job grading, alleging potential losses of up to £9,000 a year. The industrial action caused a steep decline in home visits; the board, covering Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, recorded 6,140 visits between March and May 2025, falling to 909 in the same period in 2026.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the settlement "a magnificent victory" for health visitors and said, "This dispute was about recognising the skilled, vital work health visitors do for families and children in their communities," adding, "Today that recognition has been secured."

Health board chief executive Paul Mears welcomed the resolution, stating that the immediate priority was restoring services for families and that the new specialist role would strengthen provision while addressing concerns raised by Unite.

Plaid Cymru Senedd members representing constituencies across the board’s area said they were "very relieved" that health visitors would return to work and, in a joint statement, urged the board to rebuild relationships with its workforce and tackle backlogs affecting families.

A Welsh government spokesperson said it welcomed the return of health visitors and that restoring services for babies and young children was now the priority, highlighting the vital safeguarding role they provide.