The purpose of these negotiations, says Unison, would be to try and solve the many problems with the Agenda for Change salary scales, which have been behind a number of local disputes recently.

The union says ministers must honour a commitment to reopen pay negotiations if they are serious about delivering for NHS staff and patients. The union says the health and social care secretary cannot afford to wait for the lengthy NHS pay review process to run its course before awarding next year's increases.

In November, Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and Unite wrote to Wes Streeting urging him to bypass the NHS pay review body and hold direct pay talks with the unions over salary structure reform and the coming annual wage rise.

Helga Pile, Unison head of health, said: ‘The pay review body process is from a bygone era and should be axed. A modern NHS needs 21st century pay practices to keep and recruit the staff required to deal with the multiple crises it currently faces.

‘The health and care secretary says he wants to improve patient care, make the NHS more efficient and turn around its fortunes. NHS staff know that the best way to do that is to save time and money by dealing directly with the unions on pay. It will take a huge effort to get the struggling NHS back on its feet and MPs know that staff are key to achieving that.'