Consultant doctors in England will hold a two-day strike next month in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The walkout will begin on 25 November at 06:59 GMT. Consultants will provide emergency cover only.

This type of action is known as Christmas Day cover. It is likely to have a major impact on most routine and elective services.

The announcement follows talks with the government over the past month. British Medical Association (BMA) members voted in favour of strike action in July.

Consultants, the most senior doctors in the NHS, received a 3.5% pay increase this year. However, the BMA says pay has fallen by a quarter over the past 17 years once inflation is taken into account.

The union also wants the standard working week reduced from 40 to 35 hours. It is also calling for higher pay for out-of-hours work and changes to pensions.

BMA Says Talks Failed

In a joint statement, BMA consultants committee co-chairs Dr Helen Neary and Dr Shanu Datta said they had tried to negotiate with the government in “good faith”. They said “time and time again ministers have kicked the can down the road.”

“Unfortunately, that road has now run out, and we have been forced to announce strikes,” they said. “Consultants take their responsibilities incredibly seriously, and striking does not come naturally. We are hearing loud and clear from the profession that they have had enough.”

Pay and Ballot Details

Basic pay for consultants starts at £113,500 a year. The most experienced consultants are paid £150,500. They can earn thousands of pounds more in extra payments, meaning average earnings are above £150,000 a year.

In the strike ballot, 76% of consultants who took part voted in favour. Turnout was just over 50%.

Government Response

Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government had been in “constructive discussions” with the BMA. She said it was “disappointing” that strike dates had been announced.

Cooper said strike action would be “irresponsible” and would “place the health service under even greater pressure.”

The announcement comes as consultants and other doctors are also taking part in strike action this month in Northern Ireland.