Doctors are calling for a reversal of the 26% real-terms pay.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that it “will not be negotiating” derogations “at any level” for its planned strike action.
All doctors except consultants and so-called speciality and specialist (SAS) doctors are currently set to take strike action for three days from Monday 13th March.
The doctor’s union has warned the 72-hour walk-out will mean the withdrawal of all care, in all areas of the NHS, following calls for a reversal of the 26% real-terms pay cut they have experienced over the past decade.
In a letter sent to NHS England Medical Director Professor Stephen Power, the union reminds the health service that the “responsibility to provide safe patient care lies with employers”.
They go on to explain that NHS Trusts “should be making all necessary arrangements to conform with this duty, including cancelling elective care and negotiating local cover arrangements.”
Refusing to negotiate.
According to the letter, the union has agreed that doctors will be permitted to return to work in certain circumstances.
These include; mass casualty events and major incidents not caused solely by doctors striking.
Senior doctors including consultants, advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) and physician’s associates (PA) are being asked to undertake the role of junior doctors during the planned action.
In stark contrast, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) agreed on widespread derogations during the previous nursing strike leading to claims wards had “the best staffing for years” during industrial action.
Last month a planned all-out strike was called off after the government agreed to enter immediate and intense negotiations with nursing staff in England.
At the time of publication, the government has failed to enter negotiations with doctors over pay and working conditions.
