Upcoming Strike Action
Resident doctors in England have announced plans to undertake another strike in June, marking the 16th walkout in an ongoing dispute concerning pay. The strike is scheduled to last five days, from Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June.
Background and Recent Developments
This announcement followed a meeting on Wednesday between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the new health secretary, James Murray. The last strike action by BMA members occurred in April, involving a six-day walkout.
Pay Increases and Current Salaries
Resident doctors have received pay increases totaling 33% over the past four years, which includes a 3.5% rise this year. As a result, starting salaries now exceed £40,000, while the most senior resident doctors earn £76,500 in basic pay.
In addition to basic pay, resident doctors may earn additional income for working unsocial hours and undertaking extra shifts.
Pay Discrepancy Concerns
Despite these increases, the BMA contends that, when adjusted for inflation, resident doctors are still earning approximately 20% less than they did in 2008.
"They are still being paid a fifth less than they were in 2008 once inflation is taken into account."
