England's Consultant Doctors to Strike Over Pay Dispute

Consultant doctors in England are set to strike for two days beginning on November 25 at 6:59 am GMT, due to disputes over pay and working conditions. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that during the strike, consultants will provide only emergency care, significantly impacting routine and elective services.

This decision follows a vote in July where 76 percent of participating consultants supported industrial action. The BMA argues that despite a 3.5 percent pay increase this year, consultants' pay has decreased by a quarter over the past 17 years when adjusted for inflation.

They are also demanding a reduction in the standard working week from 40 to 35 hours, higher pay for out-of-hours work, and changes to pension flexibility. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed disappointment over the strike announcement, stating that it would be irresponsible and increase pressure on the health service.

The government estimates that fulfilling all BMA demands would cost between £2 billion and £3 billion annually.