Consultants vote for industrial action in England

Consultants in England have voted to take industrial action as part of a dispute with the government over pay and conditions.In a BMA ballot that closed yesterday 76% of consultants (13 695) voted yes on taking strike action and 24% (4369) said no. Five returned ballot papers were spoiled or otherwise invalid.Turnout was 52% (18 069 of 35 067 consultants in England eligible to vote).Consultants are calling for an improved offer on pay alongside wider changes to improve working conditions, including more protected teaching and learning, a reduction in standard hours, and better recognition for work done out of hours.1The result means consultants now have a mandate for strike action over the next 12 months.BMA Consultants Committee co-chairs Helen Neary and Shanu Datta said, “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…