BMA and Government Deadlock Deepens as More Doctors Threaten Strike Action
Crunch talks are set to take place between resident doctors and the Government as the dispute over pay and jobs escalates, with senior medics now also threatening industrial action. Consultants and other senior doctors will be balloted on strikes after ministers announced a 3.5% pay award, deepening the row that has already seen resident doctors plan a six-day walkout from April 7.
48-Hour Deadline and Escalating Disputes
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given the resident doctors committee of the British Medical Association (BMA) a 48-hour deadline to reconsider a deal that includes an offer of thousands of extra NHS training posts. It is understood this proposal will be removed if resident doctors in England press ahead with their strike, which is centred on jobs and pay. The union stated it was seeking talks on Tuesday with "every intention of achieving a meaningful outcome that could see the strikes called off."
Simultaneously, the BMA has announced that ballots for consultants and specialist, associate specialist and specialty (SAS) doctors will run from May 11 until July 6, as both groups escalate their disputes with the Government. This move signals a potential widening of industrial action beyond resident doctors, raising concerns about further disruptions to NHS services.
Government and Union Positions Clash
In The Times, Sir Keir Starmer argued that rejecting the deal would leave resident doctors worse off, receiving only the standard pay award without reforms to strengthen their working lives. He urged the BMA committee to reconsider and put the deal to a vote, stating, "There are still 48 hours left to choose a better path. For patients, the NHS, and our doctors — I urge you to take it."
The deal outlines a minimum of 4,000 new additional specialty posts over the next three years. However, NHS England boss Sir Jim Mackey confirmed that this offer to expand training places will "come off the table" if no agreement is reached, citing financial constraints due to industrial action costs.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA resident doctors committee, criticised the Government for making late changes to the pay offer, reducing investment and stretching it over a longer period. He said, "Ministers effectively moved the goalposts on the deal at the last minute," and argued that removing potential doctors' posts amid NHS pressures is "clearly bad for patients."
Political Reactions and NHS Warnings
Health Secretary Wes Streeting posted on social media, expressing surprise at the BMA's stance and emphasising that a deal on jobs and pay remains on the table with time to resolve the dispute before Easter. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the use of training places as a bargaining chip, questioning why they are being linked to strike action when they are intended to improve patient support and safety.
NHS leaders have warned that the upcoming strike, coinciding with the Easter holiday, will be "challenging." Mike Prentice, national director for emergency planning at NHS England, noted in a letter to health leaders that the shorter notice period, bank holidays, and timing during Easter will place a "significant strain on staffing resources to provide safe cover."
The planned walkout from April 7 to April 13 marks the 15th round of strikes by resident doctors in England since 2023, highlighting the prolonged nature of this industrial dispute and its ongoing impact on healthcare services.
