The Weekly paper of the New Communist Party of Britain
Week commencing 22nd September 2023
The Weekly paper of the New Communist Party of Britain
Week commencing 22nd September 2023
The Weekly paper of the New Communist Party of Britain
Junior doctors joined consultants in industrial action called by the British Medical Association (BMA) this week. For the first time in the history of the NHS, consultants and junior doctors stood together in joint strike action. As with previous strikes, the union made sure that patients are kept safe by ensuring that emergency services remain in place.
Junior doctors account for nearly half NHS doctors – from medics fresh out of university to those sometimes with 10 years of experience. Their pay has been cut by more than 26 per cent in real-terms since 2008/09. This mean newly-qualified medics earn just £14.09 per hour. This is in comparison to baristas at Pret a Manger, who can earn up to £14.10 per hour after the coffee chain recently announced it has raised wages by 19 per cent this year. Consultants too have seen their real-term take-home pay fall by over a third over the last 14 years. This can’t keep going.
Support the striking doctors! Defend the NHS!