NHS doctors' strike called off in Wales for government talks
A 48-hour strike due to take place from 16 April has been suspended. The Welsh government says it is facing the "most severe financial situation in the devolution era" but hopes the latest round of talks will end the dispute.
Tuesday 9 April 2024 14:26, UK
Doctors' strikes in Wales have been called off for fresh talks with the government.
The industrial action planned by consultants and specialist doctors has been suspended after what unions describe as a "constructive meeting" with the Welsh government.
The 48-hour strike was due to take place from 16 April as part of a dispute over pay and working conditions.
The Welsh government last year offered a pay rise of 5% but the union said the initial below-inflation offer was the worst in the UK.
It comes after a total of 10 days of strike action by junior medics since the start of the year.
BMA Cymru Wales said the government had made a "significant proposal to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes".
The committees representing doctors from all three branches - namely consultants, specialists and junior doctors - have voted to enter pay negotiations.
Dr Stephen Kelly, chair of the union's consultants committee, said the latest efforts from the Welsh government were "encouraging".
"We're hopeful that we can reach a deal that sufficiently addresses years of erosion to our pay to help retain senior doctors in Wales but remain ready to strike if we're not able to do so during negotiations," he added.
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Wales's first minister Vaughan Gething said the government recognised "the strength of feeling among BMA members".
"This is a government that listens and engages to find solutions," he said.
"We currently face the most severe financial situation in the devolution era, which makes our task far harder.
"Despite this backdrop, we have worked to identify a way forward that I hope will lead to the successful resolution of this dispute and ensure that doctors can return to work in NHS Wales."