NHS Doctors' Union Demands £6,000 for Consults on Call Amidst Strike Talk

Strategic Insights -

Doctors' union, the British Medical Association (BMA), is asking consultants to demand £6,000 for being "on call" during strikes this weekend, even if they do not carry out any work. This demand comes as new research suggests two million appointments could be cancelled due to doctors' strikes this year. The BMA has set a "rate card" for consultants, requiring pay of at least £188 an hour on weekdays and £313 on weekend nights. Meanwhile, talks between the Government and BMA have begun to resolve the dispute, with Wes Streeting stating that there is no room for manoeuvre on pay after doctors were offered 5.4 per cent. The BMA, however, is pushing for a 29 per cent increase.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BMA is demanding £6,000 for consultants to be "on call" during strikes, even if they do not work.
  • The union's "rate card" sets pay for consultants at £188 an hour on weekdays and £313 on weekend nights.
  • Two million appointments could be cancelled due to doctors' strikes this year, according to new research.
  • The BMA is seeking a 29 per cent pay increase for doctors, while the Government has offered 5.4 per cent.
  • Talks between the Government and BMA are ongoing to resolve the dispute.
  • Dr. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, called the BMA's demands "outrageous" and said patients will suffer due to the strikes.
  • A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests changing pensions could benefit young medics more quickly than altering student loan repayments.
  • By the time a resident doctor is in their final year of specialist training, they earn a basic salary of £73,992, and can earn over £100,000 a year, depending on their rotas and speciality.

Statistics:

  • 2 million appointments could be cancelled due to doctors' strikes this year.
  • £6,000 is the demand for consultants to be "on call" during strikes, even if they do not work.
  • £188 per hour is the minimum pay required for consultants on weekdays.
  • £313 per hour is the pay required for consultants on weekend nights.
  • 5.4 per cent is the pay increase offered to doctors by the Government.
  • 29 per cent is the pay increase sought by the BMA.
  • £367 million is the estimated cost of covering strikes.
  • 2 million appointments and operations could be axed if walkouts continue with similar frequency to previous strikes.
  • £73,992 is the basic salary of a resident doctor in their final year of specialist training.
  • £100,000+ is the potential salary of a resident doctor, depending on their rotas and speciality.

Sources:

  • "Doctors' union demands £6,000 for consultants on call amid strike talks", The Telegraph, no date provided.
  • "Two million appointments could be cancelled due to doctors' strikes, report warns", The Telegraph, no date provided.
  • "Institute for Fiscal Studies report", Institute for Fiscal Studies, no date provided.
  • "Policy Exchange report", Policy Exchange, no date provided.
  • "BMA picketing in 2023", PA, no date provided.
  • "Wes Streeting has refused to increase junior doctors' pay further", PA, no date provided.
  • "Dr. Daniel Elkeles criticises BMA's demands", BBC News, no date provided.