England's Consultant Doctors Call Off 2-Day Strike
Planned walkout over 25% real-terms pay cut since 2009-10 is halted to allow for government talks, welcomed by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper
Consultant doctors in England have called off a planned two-day strike, scheduled for November 25 and 26, to allow for formal negotiations with the government. The strike was initially called by the British Medical Association (BMA) after 18 months of talks with the government failed to lead to an agreement on key issues, including a 25% fall in real-terms salary value since 2009-10 and a requested 10% cut in working hours.
The BMA announced the strike action after consultants voted in July to take industrial action. The strike would have resulted in consultants carrying out emergency care only, leading to delays for most routine and elective services. However, the BMA has now paused the strike action to allow for formal negotiations with the government.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the decision to call off the strike, saying she had held constructive talks with the BMA's consultants committee, co-chaired by Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta. The co-chairs said they welcomed the chance to open formal negotiations with the government and hoped it marked a turning point in the dispute.
Although consultants were given a 3.5% pay increase this year, the BMA said pay had fallen by a quarter over the past 17 years in real terms. The BMA has stated that the proposed strike action was also about ensuring consultants have the time, recognition, and support they need to deliver the best possible care for patients and secure the future of the NHS.
## Why it matters The decision to call off the strike is significant, as it allows for formal negotiations between the government and the BMA to take place. The stakes are high, with the NHS facing significant challenges in terms of staffing and funding. The outcome of these negotiations will have a major impact on the future of the NHS and the working conditions of consultant doctors in England. If a agreement is reached, it could lead to improved working conditions and pay for consultants, which in turn could lead to better patient care and a more sustainable NHS.
