Consultants across England have voted overwhelmingly in favor of potential NHS strike action, with 76% supporting industrial action over pay and pensions. The decision was made during a ballot conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA) on July 6, 2026, which revealed that 18,069 out of 35,067 eligible members participated in the vote.
NHS Consultants Demand Fair Pay
The BMA's ballot indicates a strong discontent among NHS consultants regarding their compensation. With 13,695 votes in favor of strikes, the consultants now possess a mandate for industrial action within the next year. This comes in the wake of a pay deal accepted by resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, aimed at resolving their own strike issues.
Dr. Helen Neary and Dr. Shanu Datta, co-chairs of the BMA consultants committee, stated, "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, and that, if necessary, they are willing to act." The BMA argues that the current pay rates are 26% lower in real terms than they were 17 years ago.
Government Response to Potential Strikes
Health and Social Care Secretary James Murray responded to the strike vote, asserting that there is "no justification" for such actions. He emphasized that NHS consultants are among the highest-paid public sector workers, with an average salary exceeding £152,000 per year. He noted that consultants have received a 28.5% increase in basic starting pay over the last four years.
