Consultants planning to strike ‘will not be paid more’, says minister

Danny Lawson/PA Wire

By Ella Pickover, Press Association

Consultants who are planning a two-day walkout at the end of the month will not be paid more money, a health minister has said.

The most senior doctors in NHS hospitals in England have announced plans to strike on November 25 and 26 in a row over pay and conditions.

Health minister Karin Smyth said that the strikes come as the NHS braces for a “difficult winter” and urged the British Medical Association (BMA) to call the strikes off.

She said consultants will not be paid more money but said discussions have been ongoing to improve their working lives.

During the strike, consultants will provide a Christmas Day-style service, with emergency care still covered.

Meetings held with BMA

Ms Smyth told Times Radio: “The secretary of state met with the BMA committee last week, we have been working with the BMA committee to support consultants.

“We’re particularly looking at improving their working lives so that we get the best out of them and retain the consultants, we need them to be doing the great work they do as we rebuild a health service.