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NHS consultants on £152,000 average pay will strike in November after branding a 2.4% pay rise 'an insult'

NHS consultants earning up to £150,500 a year will strike for two days from 25 November, the BMA says, after a ballot backed action on a bare-minimum legal turnout.
NHS consultants earning up to £150,500 a year will strike for two days from 25 November, the BMA says, after a ballot backed action on a bare-minimum legal turnout.

NHS consultants in England will walk out from 6.59am on November 25 until 6.59am on November 27 after voting "reluctantly but decisively" for strike action. The BMA says the government has ignored "repeated calls to enter formal negotiations" on pay and working conditions, and warns that without change, consultants will be pushed further from the NHS.

The BMA's consultants committee is also demanding that the working week be reduced by five hours — a change that would cost taxpayers up to £3 billion.

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper called the strike decision "very disappointing" and said talks had been "constructive" — urging the BMA not to take "irresponsible action" ahead of winter.

The strike comes despite consultants' average pay rising by £25,000 over the past four years, reaching £152,000 this year.

MoreThe TimesSenior doctors to strike next month over pay and pensionsMorning Star | The People’s DailySenior doctors to strike next month unless Health Secretary commits to talks - Morning Star | The People’s DailyDaily Mail NewsSenior doctors in England to go on strike for two days in November as BMA brands proposed 2.4% pay rise 'an insult'
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