Hospitals
Consultants in England announce two-day strike over pay and conditions
Consultants will provide emergency cover only during the 25 and 26 November strike, putting routine and planned services at risk of disruption.
Consultants in England will strike on 25 and 26 November after talks with the government failed to resolve a dispute over pay and working conditions, the British Medical Association (BMA) said. Consultants will provide emergency cover only during the walkout. BBC News reported that most routine and planned services are likely to be affected.
The BMA says consultants’ pay has fallen by a quarter in real terms over the past 17 years. It is seeking a shorter standard working week, higher pay for out-of-hours work and changes to pensions, according to BBC News. The strike follows a July vote in favour of industrial action.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the strike would put the health service under greater pressure. The NHS Alliance warned that non-urgent appointments, elective surgeries and follow-ups could be postponed or rescheduled, The Guardian reported.
