Northern Ireland consultants suspend strike to consider ‘credible’ pay offer – The Irish News

Consultants in Northern Ireland have suspended a 24-hour strike planned for next week to consider a “credible” pay offer from the Department of Health.

The BMA’s Northern Ireland Advisory Committee had received 92% support from those who voted for the strike from 7am on 26 June.

After a meeting between the representatives and the Ministry of Health, they will now examine the offer further.

Dr David Farren, chair of the BMA Northern Ireland Advisory Committee, said: “We have agreed to suspend our strike while we discuss the Department’s proposals.

“Striking is still an option, but by suspending the strike we have taken a significant step and we are confident that we will soon be able to make a credible offer to members.”

The development follows three separate strikes by junior doctors in Northern Ireland this year over issues with pay and working conditions. Further action remains possible.

In England, specialist doctors (SAS) in the BMA (County Government of England) voted this week for a new collective agreement with the government after months of negotiations.

For SAS doctors in England with contracts dating from 2021, this figure will range from 9.5% to 19.4%, while doctors with contracts dating from 2008 will receive a pay rise of £1,400 in addition to the 6% increase granted for 2023/24.

In April, BMA consultants in England also accepted a salary offer they described as “the end of the beginning” in an effort to raise their salaries back to 2008 levels.

The changes will mean that consultants will have fewer steps to move up the pay scale: for consultants who have been a consultant for four to seven years, the pay rise will be 2.85% (£3,000).

This amount was in addition to a salary increase of 6% for 2023/24 and was separate from the salary increase for 2024/25.