Junior doctors to strike for three days due to lack of government initiative over pay dispute

As reported by the BBC, the BMA has accused health secretary, Steve Barclay, of ignoring their attempts for formal pay negotiations

The BMA has expressed their discontent with health secretary, Steve Barclay, as the latter is accused of evading the BMA’s efforts for pay negotiations.

NHS staff and nurses, excluding doctors, were all given an increase of 4.7% this financial year. Strikes were announced in order to pressure the government into accepting to talk with the unions.

Industrial action has now been paused to allow for formal negotiations.

While the unions continue to ask for an increase due to the cost of living crisis, the government has also stressed that any offers made by the NHS should be considerate of the taxpayer’s ability to pay.

While approximately 15 other healthcare unions have stated that they are waiting for more details from the government before entering formal pay discussions, the BMA has claimed that they have had no constructive discussions.

“We will not call off the strike action until there is something meaningful to give to our members to vote on,” says Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chariman of the BMA’s junior doctor committee.

“Healthcare leaders will welcome the news that the government has offered to open talks with all unions involved in the strike,’ responded Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation.

Junior doctors will push through with their plans to strike for 72 hours on March 13th if the government does not agree to negotiations.