A record number of requests to have striking doctors return to work were made—and rejected—during the most recent industrial action over their pay.
Relations between the government and the BMA seem to be growing increasingly fraught as both sides return to negotiations. Some 53 derogations—requests by employers to exempt doctors from participating in strike action, to protect patient safety—were made during the five day strike action from 25 to 30 July.
The vast majority of these requests were declined by the BMA, with only seven granted. Most were rejected immediately (29 requests) or were initially agreed to and then rescinded (2), while some requests (9) were withdrawn by trusts and another six timed out.
The total, encompassing 154 shifts, is the highest number of derogations ever received by the BMA. It represents a 43% increase (16 more requests) on the previous highest number of derogation requests received by the BMA, during a six day strike in January 2024. During that action 37 derogation requests were made, of which 26 were rejected, two agreed, seven withdrawn, and two timed out after the union requested more detail that was not forthcoming.
Even smaller numbers were seen during the previous two BMA strikes, which were also five days long. During the strike from …
