NHS senior doctors in England vote in favour of strikes

Senior doctors in England have overwhelmingly voted in favor of potential strike action, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over pay and pensions. A ballot conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) revealed that 76% of consultants who are members expressed willingness to participate in industrial action. This result grants the BMA a mandate for strikes over the coming year, though the union emphasized that no action is necessary if the government resolves issues, particularly "end to pay erosion."

“

This is a clear message from consultants in England that they are not willing to tolerate the continued attack on their pay and professional value, and that, if necessary, they are willing to act.

The vote comes at a time when junior doctors have recently accepted a pay deal, ending their prolonged strikes. However, the BMA argues that consultants' real-terms pay has fallen by 26% compared to 17 years ago. They also point out that the top pay point for a consultant in England is £16,000 lower than that of their counterparts in Wales. The union highlighted that consultants last walked out between July and October 2023, with some actions coordinated alongside resident doctors.

“

There is no justification for strikes given consultants are some of the highest paid public sector staff, and among the top 2% of earners in the country.

Health and Social Care Secretary James Murray dismissed the justification for strikes, stating that consultants are among the highest-paid public sector employees, earning over £152,000 annually on average. He highlighted a 28.5% increase in basic starting pay over the last four years and urged the BMA not to pursue "unnecessary and disruptive industrial action." Murray stressed that strikes would impede efforts to improve job planning and modernize contracts for these "invaluable" NHS staff. Meanwhile, a separate ballot for specialty, associate specialist, and specialty (SAS) doctors in England failed to meet the legal turnout threshold, despite 90% of participants voting in favor of strikes.

“

After a 28.5% increase in basic starting pay over the last four years and with the average consultant now earning over £152,000 a year, there is simply no justification for strikes that will cause disruption to patients and the NHS.