Health · Healthcare & Policy · 2 hrs ago
Consultants in England plan two-day NHS strike from 25 November
Senior NHS doctors in England plan a two-day strike starting at 06:59 GMT on 25 November.
Consultants will provide emergency cover only during the walkout.
The dispute is over pay and pensions, after talks between the doctors’ union and the government failed to avert strike action.
Consultants received a 3.5% pay increase this year, but the British Medical Association says their pay has fallen by a quarter in real terms over 17 years.
More than three-quarters of consultants who voted backed strike action, in a ballot with turnout just over 50%.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper called the strike decision disappointing and said action would put more pressure on the health service.
Consultant doctors in England plan a two-day strike beginning on 25 November over pay and pensions.
During the walkout, consultants will provide emergency cover only.
The British Medical Association said more than three-quarters of consultants who voted in its ballot supported strike action.
The government said it was disappointing that strike dates had been announced and warned the action would put the health service under greater pressure.
- Who
- Consultant doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association.
- What
- They plan a two-day strike, providing emergency cover only.
- When
- It is due to begin at 06:59 GMT on 25 November. The year is not stated in the articles.
- Where
- England.
- Why
- The dispute is over pay and pensions.
British Medical Association
UK government
Strike action
British Medical Association
The BMA says consultants have been forced to strike after attempts to negotiate and concerns over pay.
UK government
The government says it has held constructive discussions with the BMA and that taking strike action would be irresponsible.
Impact
British Medical Association
The BMA says consultants have had enough and will provide emergency cover during the walkout.
UK government
The government says the strike would place the health service under greater pressure.
76% of consultants who took part in the BMA ballot voted in favour of strike action, with turnout just over 50%.
The BMA and government held talks.
The BMA announced a two-day strike by consultants in England.
The strike is due to begin at 06:59 GMT, with consultants providing emergency cover only.
- Strike length
- Two days
- Start time
- 06:59 GMT on 25 November
- Ballot support
- 76% of participating consultants voted for strike action
- Pay increase
- 3.5% this year
- Emergency cover
- Consultants will provide emergency cover only during the walkout
3 sources
What people are saying
Unfortunately, that road has now run out, and we have been forced to announce strikes.
taking strike action would be "irresponsible" and "place the health service under even greater pressure".