In a joint statement, committee co-chairs, Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi expressed their disappointment in having to resort to this fifth round of strike action. They emphasised the need for the government to engage in good-faith negotiations and present a credible offer to avoid the strikes altogether.
The Prime Minister's statement that talks are over was met with criticism from the committee, asserting that negotiations should only be considered concluded after proper engagement. The doctors highlighted the solidarity displayed by consultants, specialist colleagues, and associate specialists during the strikes and on their own picket lines. They unitedly refuse to accept further pay cuts.
"We have lost more than a quarter of our pay in 15 years, and we are here to get it back," the committee co-chairs affirmed.
Health service leaders have called for an end to the dispute, citing the substantial impact of industrial action on England's healthcare system. Over the past eight months, strikes have led to the postponement of 819,000 appointments, operations, and procedures.
Earlier this month, the government announced pay increases for public sector workers, including doctors. Junior doctors were offered a six per cent rise alongside an additional consolidated £1,250 increase, while hospital consultants were to receive a 6 per cent rise.
However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the deal presented was the "final offer" and that there would be "no more talks on pay." Subsequently, BMA consultants announced additional walkouts scheduled just before the August bank holiday, on Aug. 24 and 25.
With this recent announcement from junior doctors, England's NHS faces six severely disrupted days in August, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing pay dispute.