As reported by the BBC, approximately 2% of balloted BMA members decided against strikes over pay dispute
Over 98% of the 48,000 BMA members involved in the vote were for industrial action. The union has claimed that their salaries have been cut by over 26% since 2008 with respect to matching inflation costs.
“We are frustrated, in despair and angry and we have voted in our thousands to say, ‘in the name of our profession, our patients, and our NHS, doctors won’t take it any more,’ says Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chairman of the BMA junior doctors committee.
The last time junior doctors took part in industrial action was in 2016 over contract negotiations.
Junior doctors who make up about 40% of the healthcare workforce earn a base salary of approximately £29,000 and can rise to £53,000 after 15 years of training for some.
“We hugely value the work of junior doctors and it is deeply disappointing some union members have voted for strike action,” says health secretary Stephen Barclay.
Strikes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be announced as the BMA waits for further action from the government.
Junior doctors will not be available for routine and emergency care but are required to be present for high risk emergencies unless the NHS has provided staff replacements.
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