BMA: Doctors will discuss industrial action over pensions

The British Medical Association (BMA) will be holding a ballot on potential industrial action among doctors over the government's controversial NHS pension reform plans.

For the first time in 40 years, the healthcare sector will take part in a ballot on industrial action to decide what measures would take place if the plans go ahead.

Strike action has been ruled out as overly disruptive to patient care quality, but the BMA states that medical staff can no longer remain passive over plans that it believes would financially impact all doctors, particularly those starting out in their careers.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA Council, said it is only pursuing this option due to the government's refusal thus far to engage in meaningful and constructive talks.

"Taking industrial action remains a last resort and we urge the government to work with us – and the other health unions – to find a fairer way forward," he added.

This comes after the BMA criticised the government for failing to invite the organisation to a Downing Street summit to discuss the new Health and Social Care Bill, which is strongly opposed by BMA members.