Senior doctors call off two-day strike planned this month
Strike cancelled for talks
Consultant doctors in England have called off their planned two-day strike this month as they move into formal negotiations with the government. The talks could begin as soon as this week.
The action was expected to affect many routine and planned services. The BMA said strikes could be avoided if the government was willing to negotiate genuinely.
Pay remains disputed
The BMA says consultant pay has dropped by a quarter over the past 17 years when inflation is taken into account. Its calculation uses an inflation measure that tends to be higher than the one preferred by economists. Government sources said a larger pay rise this year was not being considered, pointing to the state of public finances and consultants’ current pay levels.
Ballot and response
In the strike ballot, 76% of participating consultants supported industrial action. Just over half of eligible BMA members took part. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper described the cancellation as “welcome news for patients and the wider NHS”.
Key points
- Consultant doctors in England have cancelled a planned two-day strike this month.
- Formal talks with the government could start as soon as this week.
- The BMA says pay has fallen by a quarter over 17 years, using a higher inflation measure.
- Government sources say a bigger pay rise this year is not on the table.