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Resident doctors in England have once again decided to proceed with strike action as part of an ongoing pay dispute. Despite receiving a 5.4% pay rise for the current financial year, the doctors, previously known as junior doctors, argue that their wages are still approximately 20% lower in real terms compared to 2008. The British Medical Association (BMA) is advocating for “pay restoration” and claims that the increment is insufficient.
The BMA reported that 55% of its 48,000 resident doctor members participated in the ballot, with 90% in favor of industrial action. The union’s junior doctors’ committee co-chairs, Ross Nieuwoudt and Melissa Ryan, expressed their willingness to engage in new discussions with the government to prevent a walkout. They emphasized their determination to fight for better wages, stating, “Our pay may have decreased, but our resolve to stand up for our rights is unwavering.”
On the other hand, the government expressed disappointment over the BMA’s decision to threaten industrial action. Despite a 28.9% pay rise for doctors in the last three years, the Department of Health and Social Care underscored the importance of avoiding strikes to prevent disruptions in patient care. The government remains committed to collaborating with unions to enhance working conditions for NHS staff.
In a long-standing dispute, resident doctors engaged in 11 separate strikes between 2023 and 2024, causing the cancellation of numerous outpatient appointments and hospital procedures. The NHS Confederation’s Chief Executive, Matthew Taylor, highlighted the potential negative impact of further strikes on efforts to reduce waiting lists in England. He also raised concerns about potential tensions within various staff groups, as nurses and other healthcare professionals are contemplating industrial action as well
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