Doctors plan to conduct a four-day walkout starting on June 15 to demand higher pay, marking their 16th strike since the ongoing dispute began in 2023. The British Medical Association initiated the strike following a meeting with Health Secretary James Murray, who replaced Wes Streeting. Murray expressed disappointment over the refusal to discuss enhancing the 3.5% pay raise for resident doctors. He emphasized that the current demand for substantial pay increases is unrealistic and unsustainable, citing a significant pay rise of 33.4% for resident doctors in the past four years.
The walkout is scheduled to last from 7 am on June 15 until 7 am on June 19, leading to the postponement of numerous operations and the cancellation of annual leave for senior doctors and nurses. Despite recent pay rises, resident doctors’ real-terms pay has decreased by around 20% since 2008 according to the retail price index. The government claims that the rejected measures could have resulted in an average pay rise of 4.9% for resident doctors this year.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in negotiations under the new leadership. He urged Murray to address the issue promptly to avoid further strike actions. The dispute, initiated under the previous government, has now become a pressing concern for the new Secretary of State after taking office.
Murray urged the BMA to reconsider further strikes, emphasizing the negative impact on patients, staff, and the NHS’s financial costs. He highlighted the record number of doctors in the NHS, reduced waiting lists, and increased patient satisfaction as achievements this year. The BMA is also conducting a ballot among consultants and specialist doctors to be concluded on July 6, signaling potential further actions if no resolution is reached.