The BMA makes lots of vague demands for recognition and autonomy, control and civility – Madeline Grant, hearing similar words coming from Angela Rayner recently, called them generic, vibes-based slop. But what the BMA specifically wants is more money – for less work. 

Wales is invoked as an exemplar; rarely a good sign in arguments not involving male-voice choirs or leeks. The BMA wants consultants’ top salary point immediately raised by £16,000, to match the Welsh, and to copy the contractual obligation there for doctors to get a fully-paid day and a half a week free of clinical duties. They want higher rates of pay for out of hours work, improvements in pensions, and the working week cut by five hours. Strike action to support these goals was backed by 76 per cent. ‘This is a clear message from consultants in England that they are not willing to tolerate the continued attack on their pay and professional value,’ said the BMA.

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I resigned in disgust from that union in 2020, when it argued that covid meant schools shouldn’t re-open. I am therefore part of the problem. Because although the majority of those who voted backed industrial action, the bulk of the profession did not. Only 13,695 consultants voted........

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