NHS consultants plan 48-hour strike in November over pay

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 17:38 · Archive

Senior NHS consultants will stage a 48-hour walkout from 25 to 27 November unless health secretary Yvette Cooper takes 'meaningful steps' to avert the action. The British Medical Association consultants committee made the decision after disputes over pay and working conditions with the government have 'run out of road', according to senior doctors. Consultants have been in dispute with the government since May 2025, with members voting to strike following a ballot in July.

The strike action follows the government's recommendation of a 2.4 per cent pay rise for all doctors in 2027/28, which is below the 3.5 per cent inflation rate in the 12 months to September 2026.

During the strike period, only emergency and life-saving care will be provided, with some routine procedures postponed. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it has 'tried-and-tested processes in place' to ensure patient safety and continuity of care wherever possible, and will share information with the public about the expected disruption in due course.

How it is being reported

• Impact on NHS care expected as consultants to strikeSenior doctors are planning to walk out over 48 hours in November, providing emergency care only, and impacts will be felt in Oxfordshire.Oxfordshire Guardian · 2 Nov, 17:01
• Impact on NHS care expected as consultants to strikeSenior doctors are planning to walk out over 48 hours in November, providing emergency care only, and impacts will be felt in Oxfordshire.Oxford Mail · 2 Nov, 17:01

In this story: British Medical Association · Yvette Cooper · Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Oxfordshire · John Radcliffe Hospital

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