Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
After a planned five-day strike over continuing pay disputes, doctors in England are scheduled to resume work on Monday. The industrial action took place despite a rise in flu cases and last-minute negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government. The BMA membership ultimately rejected the government’s latest proposal, which sought to address concerns related to training and job security.
Jack Fletcher, leader of the BMA’s resident doctors, spoke to the British Medical Journal on Friday, highlighting the issue of doctors relocating abroad. He explained that many are leaving because “they will essentially pay me more and also treat me better.” Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his hope that the dispute would be resolved by the start of the new year.
Resident doctors—formerly known as junior doctors—are demanding a “genuinely long-term plan” from the government to improve pay and to create more training opportunities that allow qualified doctors to specialise and advance their careers. The union representing these doctors reports that 65% of its members took part in this most recent strike, marking the 14th such walkout since March 2023. Despite receiving an average pay increase of 5.4% this year, the union argues that doctors’ wages remain about 20% lower than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.
During a recent visit to a London ambulance station, Wes Streeting reiterated his desire to resolve the dispute, stating, “I do want to end this dispute.” He also emphasized his willingness to continue talks, aiming to “start 2026 off on a better foot.” However, he pointed out that the BMA is “demanding an extra 26% on top of what we’ve already given,” a figure he described as unaffordable, while affirming that negotiations will resume in the new year.
Health experts warn that the effects of the strike will be felt well beyond the immediate period. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, condemned the walkout last week, calling it “dangerous and utterly irresponsible,” particularly against the backdrop of a record flu season. Nevertheless, the BMA committed to cooperating with NHS management to maintain safety across hospitals and other health services during the disruption.
Although the NHS remains on high alert due to flu, recent reports indicate that the surge in cases is easing somewhat, with just over 3,000 patients currently hospitalized in England with the virus. Meanwhile, in Scotland, resident doctors are preparing for their first national strike of NHS workers, planned for 13 to 17 January
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.