BMA says consultants in Northern Ireland call off plans for strike action

​Following a successful ballot where 92% of those voting were prepared to take industrial action, BMA consultant representatives met with the Department of Health who have now put forward a credible pay offer that the BMA wishes to explore further.

The planned 24-hour strike by consultants due to take place from 7.00am on 26 June to 7am 27 June will now be suspended.

Dr David Farren, chair of the BMA NI’s consultants committee said, “We have agreed to suspend our strike action while we discuss the proposals the Department has made. Striking is still an option, but in suspending the strike we have made a significant step, and we are hopeful we can present a credible offer to members soon.”

Mr Farren said previously it was imperative that consultants in NI did not fall further behind colleagues in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

“We really feel we have been left with no alternative but to strike,” he had said. “Morale is at an all-time low among consultants here; we do not feel valued for the complex, challenging and stressful work we undertake, and we do not deserve to be paid less than colleagues in the rest of the UK or Ireland for doing the same job.

“In fact, given the crisis in our health service, the job is arguably even harder here. It is imperative that we secure at least the same terms and conditions for consultants here.”

A poll previously found 77% were willing to strike.