Full Breakdown
England’s Senior Doctors Set Two-Day Strike in Late November
By Drooid · · How we work
Strike Timeline
Senior hospital consultants in England will begin a walkout at 06:59 GMT on 25 November, providing only emergency cover. The industrial action is scheduled to continue for a second day, meaning routine and elective services are expected to be largely suspended throughout the two-day period. Reuters first reported the plan on 26 October, and the British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed the dates in statements released later that month.
BMA Demands and Rationale
The BMA says consultants received a 3.5 % pay rise this year, but argues that real-terms earnings have fallen by about a quarter over the past 17 years after inflation is accounted for. The union is seeking a reduction of the standard working week from 40 to 35 hours, higher out-of-hours pay, and greater flexibility in pension withdrawals. In the ballot that preceded the strike, 76 % of participating consultants voted in favour, representing roughly one in five NHS consultants overall because many are not BMA members. The BMA also notes that average consultant earnings exceed £150,000 annually, with basic salaries ranging from £113,500 to £150,500 plus additional payments.
Government Position
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper described the strike as “very disappointing” and “irresponsible,” emphasizing the need to maintain service capacity during the winter. The government has offered a 2.4 % pay increase for the 2027/2028 financial year, which the BMA characterises as a “significant real-terms pay cut” given September CPI inflation of 3.5 %. Officials estimate that meeting the BMA’s full demands would cost between £2 billion and £3 billion annually.
Potential Service Impact
With consultants limited to emergency duties, most planned surgeries, outpatient appointments and routine care are expected to be delayed or cancelled. The strike follows a series of industrial actions since 2023 that have already disrupted NHS services across the country.
Key Figures & Statistics
- 3.5 % pay rise granted this year (government).
- 2.4 % rise proposed for 2027/2028 (government).
- 25 % real-terms pay decline over 17 years (BMA).
- 76 % of voting consultants support strike (BMA ballot).
- Estimated £2-3 billion annual cost to meet BMA demands (government).
These elements together outline the dispute over pay and working conditions that is driving the upcoming consultant strike.