Senior doctors in England to stage two-day strike in November

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

Senior doctors in England will strike on 25 and 26 November in a dispute over pay and pensions.

Senior doctors in England are to strike on 25 and 26 November in a dispute over pay and pensions. The walkout begins at 6.59am on Wednesday, 25 November, with consultants providing emergency cover only. The strike follows a British Medical Association (BMA) ballot in which 76% of participating consultants voted in favour of industrial action, after 18 months without formal negotiations.

Consultants were given a 3.5% pay increase this year. Basic pay for consultants starts at £113,500, with the most experienced paid £150,500, though average earnings exceed £150,000 a year including extra payments.

The BMA said consultants 'provide safe emergency and immediately life-saving care on Christmas day and out of hours 365 days a year', so no patients will be harmed but the Government would 'hear our message loud and clear'. The BMA added that industrial action 'can and will be stood down' if the Government formally negotiates with a mandate leading to 'a credible offer across our range of demands'.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government had been in 'constructive discussions' with the BMA, so it was 'disappointing' that strike dates had been announced.

How it is being reported

• Senior doctors in England to strike for 2 days - what does it mean for patients?The British Medical Association has announced a two-day strike action for November for senior doctors in EnglandNews Shopper · 26 Oct, 10:33
• Senior doctors in England to strike for 2 days - what does it mean for patients?The British Medical Association has announced a two-day strike action for November for senior doctors in EnglandThis Is Local London · 26 Oct, 10:33

In this story: British Medical Association · Yvette Cooper · England · NHS

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