The British Medical Association (BMA; the doctors union) has recommended the following hourly rates when consultants cover junior (now called resident) doctors shifts in the forthcoming junior doctors’ 5-day strike (25-30th July 2025). They will need to do these shifts to cover the junior doctors’ work in hospitals:
- Weekday 7am-7pm £188/hour; 7pm-11pm £250/hour
- Weekend 7am-11pm £250/hour
- Overnight 11pm-7am £313/hour.
So, for an 8 hour overnight shift they can earn 8 x £313 = £2504. Most of the public would find this excessive.
https://www.bma.org.uk/media/uyyfxioj/20250282-consultant-rate-card.pdf
Stance of hospital consultants
The stance of hospital consultants on the strike, may vary depending on several factors, including their professional associations, personal views, and local circumstances.
Some consultants might support the strike due to shared concerns about working conditions, pay, or healthcare policy, while others might oppose it due to concerns about patient care or worsening waiting lists.
Consultant support could manifest in various ways, such as:
- Cancelling elective work (e.g. clinics, endoscopy lists, radiology interpretation or operations) to make sure the strikes are effective in worsening waiting lists
- Public statements or social media posts from consultant groups or associations expressing solidarity with junior doctors’ demands
- Participation in picketing or rallies alongside junior doctors
- Refusal to cross picket lines or provide non-essential services during the strike
- Offering advice or guidance to junior doctors on strike organisation and negotiation strategies.
