Next month, junior physicians will engage in a 72-hour walkout (Picture: PA)
The vast majority of junior doctors in Britain have decided to join the increasing strike wave.
A whopping 98% of the 37,000 BMA members who cast ballots supported their first move since 2016.
In their fight for a 26% salary increase, they now intend to go on a 72-hour strike next month.
The impact could see thousands of NHS operations cancelled as senior doctors step in.
The BMA said it had called for the government to act on pay in ‘several letters’ and a meeting with health secretary Steve Barclay in January.
‘This vote shows, without a shadow of a doubt, the strength of feeling among most of England’s junior doctors,’ it said of the record 77% turnout.
‘We are frustrated, in despair and angry and we have voted in our thousands to say, “In the name of our profession, our patients, and our NHS, doctors won’t take it anymore”.
‘The government has only itself to blame, standing by in silent indifference as our members are forced to take this difficult decision.’
It wants a rise to match what it calls a real-terms 26% pay cut since 2008. It called this year’s 2% offer amid 10% inflation ‘insulting’.
Mr Barclay said the vote was ‘deeply disappointing’ with pay up 8.2% since 2019, a new band for the most experienced, and higher night shift pay.
‘I’ve met with the BMA and medical unions to discuss what is fair and affordable, as well as concerns around conditions and workload,’ he added.
MORE : When is the junior doctors strike and why are they walking out?
Junior doctors start on £29,384 but with extra payments can earn £40,697. By the end of training, pay is between £58,398 and £80,881.
The result came as ambulance staff walked out yesterday in their lengthy pay and staffing dispute. Nurses strike for 48 hours in England next week.
BMA members who cast ballots supported their first move since