England Consultant Doctors Halt November Strike Action Following New Government Talks
Consultant doctors in England pause their planned November strikes after the BMA secures negotiations with the government over pay and working conditions.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Senior hospital doctors in England have agreed to suspend their upcoming industrial action following a series of meetings with government officials.
The British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed the pause in the strike that was originally scheduled to take place on 25 and 26 November.
The planned walkout was set to begin at 6:59 AM on the 25 and conclude at 6:59 AM on the 27.
The dispute stems from a long-standing conflict regarding the long-term sustainability and professional value of the consultant role.
The BMA’s Consultants Committee has been engaged in this standoff with the government since May 2025, following a July vote where members authorized the strike action.
Negotiations had previously broken down over pay structures and working conditions, specifically involving a proposed 2.4% pay increase.
While the England-specific strike is on hold, industrial tensions remain high in other parts of the UK.
In Scotland, a new ballot has launched today for consultants and SAS doctors focusing on pay and working environments.
Northern Ireland also faces scheduled walkouts next month. Consultants, specialists, associate specialists, and specialty doctors are set to strike between 23 and 24 November, while resident doctors have planned to protest from 20 to 21 November.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
