Senior doctors' strike in UK likely to end? Here's what we know

In a bid to resolve the ongoing strike action, a new pay offer has been presented to NHS consultants in England. The proposal includes an additional 4.95% increase in the consultants' pay pot, supplementing the already allocated 6% annual rise for the current financial year.

However, the individual amount for doctors varies from zero to nearly 13%, forming part of a broader contract overhaul.

The consultants will also be entitled to another pay rise in the 2024-25 financial year, though the specific percentage remains undecided.


The offer is set to undergo approval from members of the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association union.
This development follows nine days of strikes by consultants over their pay dispute. The proposed deal aims to bring an end to the strikes that have impacted the National Health Service (NHS).

Nurses and other health workers had previously accepted a 5% increase and a one-off lump sum of at least £1,655, successfully concluding their strike action.
The agreement, signed off by Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, is being termed as a fair and reasonable offer that addresses gender pay issues, enhances parental leave options, and supports contract modernization.

The conclusion of the strikes is expected to contribute to efforts to reduce waiting lists and provide high-quality patient care.

BMA consultants leader Dr. Vishal Sharma expressed satisfaction with the breakthrough but lamented the necessity of industrial action to reach this point.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins emphasized the fair and reasonable nature of the offer and its potential to modernize contracts and improve gender pay considerations.

The in-year pay increase, costing the government 3.45%, includes the cessation of one of the merit awards systems. Additionally, the reform of the banding system aims to expedite consultant progression and benefit those, particularly women, who have taken career breaks.

To address gender disparities, the 19 current pay bands will be reduced to 14. The British Medical Association has agreed to abandon the push for premium overtime rates, with consultants expected to receive the additional pay from April, backdated to January if the deal is accepted.

The BMA will commence consultation with its members, with results expected by mid-January.
The union will maintain a neutral stance, not recommending the deal, and no further strike action will occur until the results are known.

Consultants had initially sought an above-inflation pay rise of over 11% for the current year, citing a significant fall in pay levels since 2008 when adjusted for inflation.

The ongoing strikes by NHS staff have resulted in over one million canceled treatments and appointments, costing the health service £1 billion in additional payments and planning expenses.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has attributed the failure to reduce England's hospital waiting list, currently at a record 7.8 million, to the strikes.

FAQs:

Q1: Can doctors go on strike in the UK?
A1: Doctors are legally entitled to take part in lawful industrial action, including strike action.

Q2: How long does it take to become a consultant doctor in the UK?
A2: A junior doctor is a doctor undergoing an average of 10 years (range 8-12) further training, after 5 (range 4-6) years at medical school (university), to be a consultant – making a total of 15 years (range 12-18 years) training.