Senior NHS doctors in England have voted to strike on November 25-26, the first major test for the new government over public sector pay. The British Medical Association announced that 76 per cent of consultants backed the stoppage after a turnout of just over 50 per cent. Despite a 3.5 per cent salary rise this year, the union argues consultant pay has fallen by a quarter in real terms over 17 years.
The government says NHS consultants earn an average of more than £152,000 annually. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper called the action "very disappointing" and urged doctors not to take irresponsible action during winter. Government officials estimate the demanded four-hour working week reduction would cost between £2bn and £3bn a year.
The strike threatens most routine and elective services, though emergency cover will remain. It comes as the NHS prepares for winter with rising bed occupancy. The NHS Alliance chief said leaders would be "astonished and dismayed" given the health service is already far from waiting time targets, with only 65.2 per cent of patients waiting less than 18 weeks, well below the 92 per cent target by 2029.
The BMA insists consultants have had enough despite the government's proposed 2.4 per cent pay rise for 2027-28.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing