‘Unconscionable’ for doctors not to tell their employers if they plan to strike, Streeting warns
‘Shockingly irresponsible’ for striking doctors to keep bosses in dark: Streeting
- Health secretary Wes Streeting has condemned the British Medical Association's advice to junior doctors that it is unnecessary to inform employers if they plan to strike, labelling it "unconscionable" and "shockingly irresponsible".
- Junior doctors, now known as resident doctors, are set to begin a five-day strike from 25 July over a pay dispute, with the BMA declaring their 29 per cent pay demand as "non-negotiable".
- Mr Streeting expressed concern that the BMA's guidance would impede efforts to maintain safe staffing levels in hospitals and complicate matters for other NHS staff.
- NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey has warned that the industrial action will lead to significant disruption for patients.
- Despite an upcoming meeting with the BMA, Streeting said there is "no more room for manoeuvre on pay" but remains open to discussing other improvements to working conditions.