Senior NHS Consultants in England Plan Two-Day Strike for November 25 and 26

Senior hospital doctors in England plan to strike on November 25 and 26 after their union said talks with the government had not resolved a dispute over pay and working conditions. The British Medical Association announced the planned two-day action on October 26. The union says emergency cover would continue during the walkout, with staffing arrangements similar to those used on Christmas Day.

Consultants are among the most senior doctors working in the National Health Service. The BMA says the dispute concerns workload, burnout, time for training and service improvement, and the real value of consultant pay. The union argues that earnings have fallen substantially in inflation-adjusted terms over 17 years and that the government's proposed 2.4% uplift for 2027–28 would not adequately address the issue.

The government disputes the union's approach. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said discussions had been constructive and described the strike announcement as disappointing, warning that disruption during preparations for winter would add pressure to health services. Health organizations have cautioned that some non-urgent appointments and planned operations could be postponed if the walkout proceeds.

The BMA says the action could still be avoided through adequately funded formal negotiations. The dates are planned rather than a completed strike, and the announcement was made earlier on October 26, outside the last-hour priority window.