Our response to the BMA’s launch of indicative ballots of senior doctors in England

Responding to the BMA’s announcement of indicative ballots of senior doctors in England over their recent pay offer, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers (part of the NHS Confederation), said:

“Health leaders understand the concerns NHS staff groups have regarding their pay against the ongoing increases to their costs of living, and they also know they have an important role to play in improving overall staff experience and their working environment. However, they will be concerned that senior doctors represented by the BMA are contemplating industrial action.

“The government’s forthcoming ten-year health plan offers an opportunity to make bold improvements to the NHS over the short, medium and longer term, and this includes to the careers and working lives of health service staff.  

“We urge medical unions to engage in meaningful dialogue as a route to addressing the concerns of their members and protecting the delivery of vital services to the public.”

NHS Employers is the employers’ organisation for the NHS in England. We support workforce leaders and represent employers to develop a sustainable workforce and be the best employers they can be. We also manage the relationships with NHS trade unions on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.