Doctors Set for Crucial Vote on Future Strike Action
Junior doctors in England are preparing to vote on whether to extend their mandate for industrial action for another six months, the British Medical Association has announced. This critical decision comes as the union's current authorisation for strikes is due to expire in January.
If the ballot proves successful, the mandate for strike action would be extended until August 2026, potentially prolonging the ongoing dispute between medical professionals and the government over pay and working conditions.
Government Approach Has "Forced Our Hand" Says BMA Leader
Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA's resident doctors' committee, expressed frustration that the situation had reached this point. "A new mandate for strikes should not be necessary," he stated. "We should have been able to put this dispute to bed months ago with a responsible deal on jobs and pay."
Dr Fletcher emphasised that a resolution had been within reach, requiring only a plan to gradually increase pay over several years alongside common-sense job security reforms to protect doctors from the threat of unemployment. He criticised the government for waiting until industrial action was announced before making an additional offer.
"So, here we are," Dr Fletcher continued. "We're asking doctors to vote for the mandate for six months' more industrial action. If they do, it should finally be clear to the Government that half-measures, delays and vague words will not cut it."
Ballot Timeline and Recent Industrial Action
The voting process to extend the strike mandate will run from December 8 until February 2, giving medics several weeks to consider their position.
Doctors will be specifically asked whether they are prepared to take action in response to concerns about a lack of available jobs and severe pay erosion within the profession.
This development follows the most recent walkout by resident doctors, which took place from November 14 to 19, causing significant disruption to NHS services across England.
Dr Fletcher acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for all involved, stating: "Doctors want to be caring for patients, not standing on a picket line. Patients don't want to see doctors struggling to find a job while they can't even see a GP. No-one wants to see another six months of disruption to the NHS."
However, he concluded with a firm message: "But if that is what it takes to move the Government into making these reforms, then that is what must be done."
