Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the Junior Doctor Strikes
Everyone working in the Welsh NHS is being asked to do more and more, and with a recruitment crisis plus a year of budget cuts from the Welsh Labour Government, its unsurprising that staff absences are increasing - with up to a third being stress related.
I am keen to see a swift resolution to this strike action and I regret that the Welsh Labour Government has not done more to prevent further strike action taking place here in Wales.
Strike Action may be taking place across the UK, however the Welsh Labour Government’s offer of a 5% pay increase for junior doctors in 2023 amounted to the lowest offer across the UK – the UK Conservative’s Government provided a 6% pay increase plus a payment of £1,250. This offer made by the UK Government was in line with the recommendations made by the independent pay review body for 2023-24.
The Welsh Labour Government receives £1.20 for every £1 spent on Health in England however, they are still not spending the full £1.20 they receive for health on health. A Welsh Conservative Government would commit to spending the full £1.20 Wales receives on health. We would also establish a Welsh NHS Covenant which would improve working conditions for staff, reduce harassment, boost morale, and deliver a Welsh NHS which is resourced, reliable and renowned.
