NHS Employers responds to BMA news on consultants taking strike action in November

Responding to the British Medical Association (BMA)'s announcement that consultants in England will take strike action in November, Ben Morrin, chief executive of NHS Employers (part of the NHS Alliance), said:

“It is highly disappointing that the BMA's consultants committee have voted in favour of strike action.

“While we acknowledge consultants’ concerns about pay restoration, working hours and their pay review body, industrial action is now going to put severe pressure on to the NHS.

“Industrial action by the BMA at the end of November will weaken the clinical teams in every NHS hospital which are essential to delivering high-quality patient care this winter.

“We need to be honest and transparent about what the NHS can afford at this time. If that limit is reached and industrial action takes place, we owe it to patients to focus on delivering the safest care we can.

“Now is not the time to walk away from ongoing talks. We urge the BMA to get back around the table and talk.”