Junior doctors’ plot to cause maximum disruption with ‘minimal effect on their pay packet’
DOCTORS plan to refuse to tell bosses whether they will be striking or not in order to get paid for shifts
JUNIOR doctors are plotting to get paid during upcoming strikes while causing “maximum disruption”, it has been claimed.
Some plan to refuse to tell bosses if they will be coming to work which will force hospitals to get cover or cancel operations and appointments.
The doctors will then turn up for their shifts and get paid resulting in “maximum disruption” but “minimal effect on your pay packet”.
The tactics emerged on a Facebook forum, The Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday.
It comes as the junior doctors are being warned that they face being struck off if patients die or are harmed due to the planned five-day strikes.
The General Medical Council said it would investigate evidence and take action if needed.
The regulator said it was hard to see how patients would not suffer. It called on medics to examine their conscience.
Many junior doctors say they cannot afford the walk-outs. But one striker is said to have posted: “If money is an issue . . . simply do not inform your employer as to whether you will strike or not.
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“They will be forced to cover your shifts and cancel elective work but you can turn up and get paid. Maximum disruption. Minimal effect on your pay packet.”
Another reportedly said: “Even if you are not going to strike . . . please just do not tell them if you’re going to be in or not but turn up. You will be paid.”
A source close to legitimate strikers called the advice a disappointment. He said: “It is important to maintain integrity.”
The strikes will run each month up until Christmas in a row over a new contract and weekend pay.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says he will impose the contract after a deal agreed with the British Medical Association was rejected by medics.
Dr Ellen McCourt, of the BMA’s junior doctors’ committee, said the strikes will be called off if the Government “stops the imposition”.
But the Health department said: “The BMA must be the first union in history to call for strike action on a deal they negotiated and said was good.”