Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

BMA to call off strikes in exchange for suitable pay proposal

Throughout the year, tens of thousands of junior doctors have engaged in walkouts, advocating for wage hikes that align with inflation rates

BMA to call off strikes in exchange for suitable pay proposal

The British Medical Association (BMA), representing approximately 45,000 junior doctors in England, announced on Monday (03) that its members were prepared to call off strikes if a suitable pay offer was presented by the government.

"We remain willing to talk and are very much prepared to cancel strikes, even at the last minute, should a suitable offer be presented," Vishal Sharma, BMA consultants committee chair, said in a statement in response to a Times interview with British health minister Steve Barclay.


Barclay expressed the government's readiness to offer doctors a more significant pay increase and called upon consultants to cease strikes in order to resume negotiations.

Throughout the year, tens of thousands of junior doctors have engaged in walkouts, advocating for wage hikes that align with inflation rates, which have reached double digits.

However, the government has argued that granting such pay raises would exacerbate inflation, leading to higher interest rates and mortgage costs.

The BMA has said the latest pay offer of a 5% increase for 2023/24 was not credible since it was "nowhere near addressing pay erosion over the last 15 years."

The Department of Health and Social Care did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Barclay's interview.

(Reuters)

More For You

pubs-england-iStock

Previous VE Day anniversaries, royal events and sporting occasions such as the Euro 2024 final have also seen similar extensions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Pubs in England and Wales to stay open late for VE Day 80th anniversary

PUBS and bars in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 01:00 BST on Thursday 8 May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the government has confirmed.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said venues that usually close at 23:00 will be able to continue serving for two extra hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bangladesh-Pakistan

The meeting took place days ahead of Pakistani deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar's scheduled visit to Dhaka on April 27 and 28. (Photo: X/@ForeignOfficePk)

Bangladesh, Pakistan resume top-level talks after 15 years

BANGLADESH on Thursday raised several longstanding concerns with Pakistan, including a public apology over the 1971 atrocities, during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years.

Bangladesh also asked Pakistan to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share of undivided assets from when East Pakistan became independent Bangladesh in 1971.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir Starmer

Starmer thanked Christians for their community work, including support through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family services, elderly care and chaplaincy. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer thanks Christians for community work in Easter message

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer extended Easter wishes to Christians across the UK, marking the end of Lent and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, Starmer said the story of Easter is central to the Christian faith. He acknowledged Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict globally who cannot celebrate freely.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump-Charles

Trump previously made a state visit to the UK in 2019 during his first term as president. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump says he expects to meet King Charles in September

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Thursday he expects to meet King Charles in the UK in September. It would be an unprecedented second state visit for Trump, which the British government hopes will strengthen ties between the two countries.

Prime minister Keir Starmer delivered an invitation from King Charles to Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office in February. The meeting focused on tariffs and the situation in Ukraine.

Keep ReadingShow less
Blackburn with Darwen vows to tackle mental health taboos among Asians

Efforts are being made to improve mental health service uptake among Asians

Blackburn with Darwen vows to tackle mental health taboos among Asians

BLACKBURN with Darwen will spend an additional £1.17 million over the next five years on tackling mental health in the borough, with an emphasis on reaching young people and residents of south Asian heritage, writes Bill Jacobs.

The worse than national average figures were set out in a report to senior councillors. Council leader Phil Riley told the meeting last Thursday (10) that figures in the survey, especially for young people, were shocking.

Keep ReadingShow less