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RCPCH is aware that multiple health sector unions are working with their members to take industrial action or are in the process of balloting members. This follows the announcement in July 2022 of the below inflation pay increases for staff, the rising cost of living and real pressures on staff.

Some of our members have raised questions with us about what industrial action means for them. As you will likely be aware, we do not have a role in contracts or negotiating pay and conditions – but we have outlined the key information and signposts to other organisations for further support.Ìý

This web page contains:Ìý

• links to advice from the regulators
• signposting to the range of unions' websites and key information from themÌý
• answers as far as possible to the frequently asked questionsÌý
• link to our practical advice for trainees and SAS doctors who are worried about industrial action.

We hope you will find this helpful at this time, and we will keep this web page updated as and when we have any further information.

Advice from the regulators

General Medical Council (GMC)

• The majority of our UK members will be regulated by the General Medical Council. The Ìýon its ethical hub.ÌýIt has also added .
• This briefing highlights the Ìýand key considerations, responsibilities of employers, how to tackle challenging situations using professional judgement and working collaboratively with teams.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

• The NMC, as the regulatory body for nurses, nursing associates and midwives, has published a on their views around the and fitness to practice. It also highlights that employers will provide guidance for staff who work during the time.Ìý

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• HCPC regulates a range of professionals and staff groups across the NHS. It has a , with key information linking to their standards and a set of FAQs.Ìý

Additional key organisations and resources

The British Medical Association (BMA)

The BMA represents members across the UK, and continues to discuss terms, conditions and pay with respective governments.

• You can find out more about the current status of strike action on their website, and the .
• Currently junior doctors and trainees in England are due to be taking industrial from 14 June to Saturday 17 June.
• Consultants in England are being balloted on industrial action. Should this go ahead, press are reporting it would take place from 20 to 21 July.
• In Scotland, junior doctors rejected the 14.5% offer over two years and will go on strike between 12 and 15 July.

The Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association

• The HSCA undertook industrial action from 11 to 15 April 2023. They are now re-balloting members about further action. You can find out more on their the .

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

• The RCN balloted members in late 2022, and have taken forward their first stage of strikes across the UK.
• You can Ìýand on their Ìýwhich contains a list of where strike action will take place, answers to FAQs, information for volunteers, and wider.

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

• The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (the Academy) is the membership body for the UK and Ireland's 24 medical royal colleges and faculties, including RCPCH. It has put together .

NHS EmployersÌý

• This is the representative body for NHS employers, and includes a range of advice and information for that group on industrial action.
• This includes on industrial action and the responsibilities of employers.Ìý
• There is a during industrial action, and a
• There is also a .Ìý

NHS England

• NHS England has ahead of the strikes in April 2023 with key information and advice. It includes information on elective care, discharge, primary care, statutory responsibilities, communications, as well as support and guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What is RCPCH’s role in industrial action?

• As a Royal College, our core focus is on providing standards of care, education, training and supporting our members with theirÌýlifelong careers – as well as supporting equitable health of children and young people across the UK and globally.Ìý
• Within the remit that we hold, and as a charitable organisation, we have continued to call on Governments across the UK for change, including new evidenced-based workforce plans, actions to tackle child poverty across the UK, support for safeguarding and action on rising waiting lists and mental health post pandemic. You can find out more about these on our news pages.

Where can I find out more information on doctors’ contracts and pay negotiations?

• In terms of background, the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) is the independent body which makes recommendations on the remuneration of doctors and dentists in the NHS. These recommendations are sent to the Governments across the UK. The in July 2022. The Government accepted the recommendations and offered a below inflation 4.5% pay award to some groups of doctors for 2022/23. More information on this year’s pay round and what this means for doctors in the NHS can be .

I am on a work visa - can I take industrial action?

• Everyone in the UK has a right to take lawful industrial action, as . We suggest you speak with your union to discuss any personal circumstances or questions in more detail, and potentially your employer. The BMA has outlined some , including a phone number and online chat you can use if you have any further questions beyond those on their website.Ìý
• Furthermore, the BMA has held a webinar with a legal expert firm to support junior doctors and trainees who are international medical graduates. This can be

Practical advice for trainees and SAS doctorsÌý

• Our TraineesÌýCommitteeÌýhas received a number of specific questions raised by paediatric trainees and SAS doctors about the potential impact of industrial on training. We therefore put together some specific information to help paediatric trainees navigate the current environment, including:
  • information to support trainees as nurses and advanced clinical practitioners consider strike actionÌý
  • some advice from paediatricians on how trainees can continue their training during any periods of industrial action, or severe service disruptionÌý
  • consideration of financial pressures and the rising cost of living.