Starmer gives doctors 48 hours to cancel strike or lose new jobs package

Starmer gives doctors 48 hours to cancel strike or lose new jobs package

The Prime Minister has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the British Medical Association (BMA), demanding the cancellation of a six-day doctor strike in England scheduled for after Easter, or risk losing 1,000 additional training positions.

Last week, the BMA announced the strike in response to a proposal that includes a 3.5% pay increase for this year, covering some expenses such as exam fees, and an expansion of training posts. The union argues that this offer falls short, considering the projected rise in inflation and the stagnation of resident doctors' pay since 2008.

In an article for The Times, Sir Keir Starmer characterized the strike announcement as "reckless," given the circumstances.

The 1,000 additional training places were part of a broader government initiative aimed at creating a total of at least 4,000 specialty posts over the next three years. The proposed plan also includes provisions for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses related to exam fees and an acceleration in the progression through the five pay bands for resident doctors.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has articulated that he cannot provide further pay increases for resident doctors, following cumulative pay rises of nearly 30% over the past three years. He reiterated that the forthcoming 3.5% pay increase is based on recommendations from the independent pay review body and is distinct from the ongoing negotiations.

Starmer urged the BMA to present the proposed deal to its members for a vote, stressing that rejecting it without member consultation is detrimental to all parties involved.

This 48-hour ultimatum coincides with the opening of applications for the training positions in April, placing urgency on doctors to react promptly. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctor committee, criticized the government’s approach as threatening and unproductive, arguing that it undermines realistic negotiation efforts.

He affirmed that doctors are seeking a reversal of decades of pay erosion, asserting that a credible agreement could bring an end to the strikes.

The upcoming strike is set to commence at 07:00 BST on 7 April and conclude at 06:59 BST on 13 April, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing dispute, with resident doctors previously participating in a six-day walkout only once before.