British Medical Association Announces Two More Strikes by NHS Consultants in Response to 'Derisory' 6% Pay Rise

The British Medical Association (BMA), a trade union for doctors in England, has announced that NHS consultants will be holding two more days of strikes in August, in response to a "derisory" 6% pay rise.

This news comes after the government announced the pay rise for NHS medics, which is below what doctors are asking for.

The fresh dates of the strike, on August 24 and 25, follow the already scheduled strikes on August 19 and 20.

During these strikes, consultants will provide emergency care and a small amount of routine work, known as "Christmas Day cover".

The BMA has criticized the pay award, calling it "insulting" and "nothing short of a real-terms pay cut." They argue that the 6% pay rise, once all elements of pay are considered, will actually boost pay by less than 6%.

The government, on the other hand, maintains that the pay award is fair and reasonable.

The BMA has been left with "no choice" but to hold strikes, according to Dr. Vishal Sharma, chair of the BMA consultants committee.

He believes that the government is "devaluing consultants' expertise" and showing a "lack of regard for the impact this is having on the NHS." The pay body recommendation of a 6% pay rise shows the need to reform the pay review system, according to Dr. Sharma.

He warns that further strikes will happen in the future if the situation does not improve.

The NHS is facing a crisis as a result of the disputes, with patients being affected by the walkouts.

The BMA has called for a change in the pay review system to ensure that consultants are paid fairly.

The average NHS earnings for consultants in 2022 were over £126,000, which includes extra pay for additional hours and performance.

Despite this, consultants are asking for the government to start giving pay rises that match inflation.

The future of the NHS depends on there being consultants within it, according to Dr. Sharma.

He believes that attacks on their pay will drive them away from the health service and the country