Senior doctors in England and Northern Ireland to vote on strike action

Consultants and specialist doctors in England and Northern Ireland will vote on whether to take industrial action. The ballots, run by the BMA, opened on 11 May. Northern Ireland's vote includes resident doctors as well.

Both disputes centre on pay. In England, the BMA is also demanding wider changes to improve how consultants and specialist, associate specialist, and specialty (SAS) doctors work.

For consultants, the BMA wants more protected time to focus on innovation, teaching, and improving patient services. The union is also calling for a reduction in standard hours and better recognition for work done outside regular hours.

SAS doctors need improved career progression and job opportunities, according to the BMA's SAS Committee. The union is also pushing for reform of how SAS doctors are paid for their time and improved annual leave entitlements.

The BMA said consultants and SAS doctors in England had seen their pay fall by around a certain amount, though the source did not specify the exact figure.