BMA confirms doctors’ strike action over pensions

The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that doctors will be instigating industrial action in the coming weeks in protest over changes to NHS pension schemes.

A day of action on June 21st 2012 will see medical professionals postponing all non-urgent cases, though they will still be at their usual workplaces and will continue to treat emergency patients.

This will be the first time doctors have taken industrial action of any kind since 1975 and comes in response to changes that would see doctors having to pay more and work longer to receive similar pensions to other public sector staff.

The BMA has reached this decision following various member ballots, with strike action being organised in a way that ensures patient safety is protected.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the council at the BMA, said: "We have consistently argued that the government should reconsider its position and even at this stage, we would much prefer to negotiate a fairer deal than to take action."

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has criticised the BMA's announcement, defending the controversial pension scheme while suggesting the public will not sympathise with the industrial action.