Major disruption is once again expected as NHS consultant doctors launch two-day strike action today.

The walk-out by BMA members, following the government’s granting of a 6% pay rise to NHS workers, runs from 7am this morning to 7am on Saturday.

Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: “I hugely value the work of NHS consultants which is why we have accepted the independent pay review body recommendations in full, giving them a 6% pay rise this year, on top of last year’s 4.5% increase. This government has also reformed pension tax rules for consultants, something the BMA campaigned for over many years.

“I am disappointed the BMA is going ahead with this week’s strike, given the average consultant’s NHS earnings are expected to increase to £134,000 a year.

“My door is always open to discuss non-pay issues, but this pay award is final so I urge the BMA to end their strikes immediately.”

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers, said: “Trust leaders are extremely concerned about the enormous impact this strike could have on patients. As consultants are the most senior doctors, a lot their work cannot be covered. Patient care will be significantly disrupted.

“This walkout comes just 48 hours after the longest junior doctors’ strike in history, meaning trusts will have very little time to recover between the two. Health leaders are also worried about the long-term impacts.

“Not only are these strikes undermining trusts’ efforts to bear down on backlogs – putting the government’s pledge to reducing waiting lists at risk – but they’re damaging staff morale and their relationships with their employers.

“Delivering safe, timely patient care is trust leaders’ priority but the cumulative impact of eight months of walkouts is making it harder for them to recover services.

“The government has recognised doctors and dentists deserve a pay rise, but the details of this must be agreed with the relevant union.

“Both sides need to re-enter talks urgently to find a resolution, with the government fully funding any uplift. The NHS cannot afford to fund this without additional support.”