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<p>Ministers across Government have been meeting with the trade unions to attempt
to resolve these disputes where it is possible to do so and, crucially, where it is
affordable to the taxpayer.</p><p>We’ve been clear throughout that we must strike
the right balance on what is affordable and realise where compromises must be made.</p><p>We
are actively engaging with the unions to try and facilitate fair compromises to resolve
these disputes – including through service reform, productivity and efficiency – and
we remain happy to listen to their concerns.</p><p> </p><p>Since January, the Government
has negotiated with the Agenda for Change workforce, entering into a process of intensive
talks to find a fair and reasonable settlement. The majority of AfC unions have now
voted to accept that offer.</p><p> </p><p>The Government and the education trade unions
have entered intensive talks, focusing on teacher pay, conditions and workload reduction.
There have also been discussions with unions representing the civil service and with
the RMT and the British Medical Association.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We are
determined to find a way through this. We are grateful for the talks we have had so
far and we remain happy to listen to the concerns of unions and their members.</p>
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