2 publishers · first seen Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:45 UTC · updated Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:05 UTC
Consultant doctors in England are planning a two-day strike on November 25 and 26, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said, citing unresolved concerns over pay, workload, and wellbeing. The strike will proceed unless Health Secretary Yvette Cooper commits to formal negotiations, with emergency care to be maintained during the action, similar to Christmas Day staffing levels. The BMA said consultants' pay has fallen by a quarter in real terms over 17 years and called for reduced working hours and better recognition for out-of-hours work.
The government described the strike announcement as disappointing, stating that NHS England and the Department of Health have been in constructive discussions. Health leaders warned the industrial action could disrupt patient care and strain NHS finances, particularly during winter preparations. The planned walkout follows a July vote by BMA members in favour of industrial action, after more than 18 months of talks without resolution.
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