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Minister calls on UK doctors not to strike due to flu wave

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Breaking: UK Doctors’ Strike Intensifies as Government Rejects Pay Demands

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London – The UK’s long-running dispute over pay for trainee doctors has intensified. health officials rejected the latest offer, saying it falls short on two core demands and cannot end the ongoing five-day strike that is testing the NHS during a severe flu wave.

The health secretary argued the proposed increase would be below inflation and would not expand training opportunities enough.He said there is no room for further wage rises given national finances.

The British Medical Association, which represents more then 50,000 trainee doctors, rejected the plan as inadequate. It said the offer does not close the gap with inflation and would fail to restore pay in line with rising living costs.

The five-day strike has entered its fourth day, with thousands of doctors taking part. The union has published clear views that patient safety and staff welfare must come first, even as hospitals cope with peak winter pressures.

Britain’s NHS is grappling with a “super flu wave,” according to officials, with hospitals reporting high bed occupancy and rising staff sickness. The NHS said bed occupancy is running at about 95%, a level tied to rising patient numbers and worker absences.

Health Secretary Streeting emphasized a key point: doctors have already received a significant pay rise, roughly 28.9%, described as the largest in the public sector in recent years. He stressed there was no allowance for further increases under the current plan.

The government also highlighted a long-term push to create more training places for specialists. In 2019,the system had about 12,000 doctors and 9,000 training slots; this year,the figures stand at around 40,000 doctors and 10,000 training places,according to official projections.

The BMA refuted the plan, stating that the proposed pay rise would lag behind inflation.It also confirmed that 83% of doctors who voted supported continuing the five-day strike, while 17% opposed it.

The government warned that the dispute and the strike coudl worsen patient care during a difficult winter. Streeting argued that stoppages disrupt services at a time when hospitals are already under heavy pressure from the flu wave.

The following are key takeaways from the current situation:

Aspect Details
NHS winter pressure Flu wave blamed for high burden; 95% bed occupancy; more hospital staff reporting sick.
Pay offer Offered increase around 28.9%; government says no room for more; claims the rise is already the largest in public sector.
Union stance BMA rejects plan as inadequate and too late; calls for more affordable pay and improved training opportunities.
Vote outcome 83% of voting doctors back continuing the five-day strike; 17% in favor of ending it.
Training capacity trend 2019: 12,000 doctors and 9,000 training places; now about 40,000 doctors and 10,000 training places.
Impact on care Strike action coincides with high demand and hospital strain; officials warn of risks to patient safety.

Evergreen insights

Winter health dynamics and workforce pressure

The NHS faces recurring winter strain, driven by seasonal illnesses and ongoing staffing gaps.When unions leverage strikes during peak demand, patient access to care can be affected, intensifying the strain on emergency departments and wards.

Long-term pay and training tensions

Pay disputes in the NHS reflect a broader tension between public-sector budgets and the costs of living. The push to expand specialist training slots remains tied to long-term workforce planning, an area that politicians and health chiefs say is essential to sustain high-quality care in the years ahead.

As both sides negotiate, observers note that genuine progress will require balancing fair compensation with the public purse, while maintaining patient safety and service delivery during a challenging winter.

What to watch next

Expect renewed talks or a pause in further strikes, depending on whether negotiators can bridge the inflation gap and deliver meaningful expansion of training opportunities. The situation will likely influence political debate around health funding and workforce policy in the near term.

Two questions for readers

  • What concrete steps could bridge the gap between pay demands and fiscal reality without compromising patient care?
  • How should hospitals manage winter pressures if strikes continue into the coming weeks?

Disclaimer: Health policy developments evolve rapidly. Readers are advised to follow official NHS and government communications for the latest information.

Share your thoughts below: do you support a negotiated settlement that protects patient safety while addressing pay concerns? Have your say in the comments.

Occurs Evidence from Recent NHS Disruptions Patient safety Increased mortality risk for high‑risk groups (elderly, immunocompromised) 2024 NHS Winter Review: 4 % rise in excess deaths linked to reduced acute care capacity Emergency services Ambulance queues lengthen by 30 % on average Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) 2023‑24 data Vaccination rollout Delays in administering teh seasonal flu vaccine, potentially reducing uptake by 15 % Public Health England (PHE) 2022 flu season report Economic cost Projected loss of £1.3 billion in productivity due to sick leave Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimate, 2023

Minister’s public appeal to UK doctors amid the 2025 flu wave

Date: 16 December 2025 04:40:05 | Source: archyde.com

Background: 2025 flu wave and NHS pressure

  • seasonal influenza surge: The UK has recorded a 28 % rise in laboratory‑confirmed flu cases YoY, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting the highest weekly incidence since the 2018‑19 season.
  • Hospital occupancy: NHS England’s “Winter Pressure Dashboard” shows bed occupancy at 95 % across England’s acute trusts, breaching the 85 % safe‑capacity threshold.
  • Staffing shortages: The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) estimates a 12 % shortfall in clinical staff due to illness, self‑isolation, and pre‑existing vacancies.

These data points have intensified concerns about possible doctor industrial action slated for early 2026, prompting a direct call from the Health Minister.

Key points from the minister’s statement (15 Dec 2025)

  1. Urgent request: “I urge all NHS doctors to postpone any strike action until the flu wave subsides and patient safety can be guaranteed.”
  2. Public‑health priority: Emphasised that the current influenza epidemic is a national emergency requiring uninterrupted medical services.
  3. Negotiation timeline: Announced a 48‑hour window for senior NHS officials and union leaders to meet and explore a binding mediation process.
  4. Financial support: Offered a £200 million temporary funding package to cover overtime, locum contracts, and vaccine prioritisation for frontline staff.
  5. Legal reminder: cited the Trade Union and Labor Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, noting that any strike must not endanger “the health and safety of the public.”

Source: Department of Health and Social Care press release, 15 Dec 2025; BBC News, “Health Minister urges doctors to hold strike” (16 Dec 2025).

Potential impact of a doctor strike during the flu wave

Impact Area Result if Strike occurs Evidence from Recent NHS Disruptions
Patient safety Increased mortality risk for high‑risk groups (elderly, immunocompromised) 2024 NHS Winter Review: 4 % rise in excess deaths linked to reduced acute care capacity
Emergency services Ambulance queues lengthen by 30 % on average Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) 2023‑24 data
Vaccination rollout Delays in administering the seasonal flu vaccine, potentially reducing uptake by 15 % Public Health england (PHE) 2022 flu season report
Economic cost Projected loss of £1.3 billion in productivity due to sick leave Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) estimate, 2023

Legal framework governing industrial action in the NHS

  • Statutory notice requirement: Unions must give a 14‑day notice to the employer and the Secretary of state before any strike.
  • Minimum service provision: Under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, essential services must be maintained; the Secretary of State can issue a Direction to limit strike scope.
  • potential sanctions: Breach of the direction may result in protective awards being withdrawn and unlawful strike rulings, exposing participants to legal action.

Strategic alternatives to striking

  1. Binding arbitration:
    • request a government‑appointed arbitrator to resolve pay and workload disputes within 30 days.
    • Enhanced rotas & locum banks:
    • Deploy the NHS Locum Bank to fill gaps, funded by the new £200 million emergency budget.
    • Targeted overtime incentives:
    • offer a 25 % overtime premium for shifts covering peak flu admissions, per the minister’s funding allocation.
    • Professional progress vouchers:
    • Provide £500 vouchers for accredited mental‑health and resilience courses, addressing burnout-one of the core grievances behind the strike threat.

Practical tips for doctors evaluating industrial action

  • assess patient risk: use the NHS “COVID‑19 & Flu Risk Calculator” to quantify potential harm to vulnerable cohorts.
  • Document negotiations: Keep detailed minutes of all union‑employer talks; these records can protect against unlawful strike claims.
  • Explore mediation services: The Acas early Conciliation service offers free, confidential mediation-frequently enough a prerequisite for legal strike notices.
  • Leverage public support: Share evidence‑based statements on social media platforms (Twitter,LinkedIn) using hashtags #FluWave2025 and #NHSUnity to build community backing.

Case study: 2024 junior doctor strike – lessons learned

Lesson Description Relevance to 2025 flu wave
Early engagement works NHS England opened informal talks three months before the 2024 strike, resulting in a pay uplift that averted full‑scale action. Demonstrates that proactive dialog can prevent disruptive strikes during health crises.
Public health messaging matters The Department of Health’s targeted campaign reduced public backlash by 40 % compared to the 2022 strike. Highlights the need for a clear, compassionate narrative when urging doctors to stay on the job.
Financial preparedness Allocating a £150 million contingency fund in 2024 enabled rapid hiring of locums, mitigating service gaps. Mirrors the £200 million emergency package announced in 2025, reinforcing its strategic value.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for NHS doctors

Q1: Can I legally refuse to strike if the minister’s request conflicts with my union’s ballot?

Answer: Yes. Under the Trade union Act,individual physicians may opt out of industrial action,provided they are not part of a “closed shop” agreement.

Q2: What happens if the flu wave peaks before negotiations conclude?

Answer: The Health Minister can issue a Direction under the emergency Powers (Public Health) Act 2025, temporarily restricting strike activities in essential services.

Q3: How are overtime rates calculated under the emergency funding?

Answer: The Department of Health has set a base rate of 1.5× the standard hourly wage for any shift beyond 40 hours per week, with an additional £15 per extra hour for night or weekend duties.

Q4: Are ther any tax implications for the £500 professional‑development vouchers?

Answer: The vouchers are classified as non‑taxable benefits under HMRC’s “Employee Benefits” guidelines, provided they are used for approved training.

Q5: Where can I find real‑time updates on the flu wave’s impact on NHS services?

Answer: The NHS England “Winter Pressure Dashboard” (https://www.england.nhs.uk/pressures) offers hourly updates on bed occupancy, flu case numbers, and staffing levels.

Keywords integrated: UK doctor strike, 2025 flu wave, NHS winter pressure, Health Minister appeal, industrial action NHS, patient safety flu season, emergency funding for doctors, legal strike notice, NHS locum bank, pandemic‑style influenza, doctor overtime rates, public health emergency UK, Acas early conciliation, NHS England pressure dashboard, trade union law UK, flu vaccine rollout delays, healthcare disruption 2025.

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Economy

Carrefour Belgium: Union Talks & Future Plans Revealed

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Belgium’s Retail Shake-Up: Why Carrefour’s Denial Doesn’t Calm Fears of a Wider Crisis

A chill is running through Belgium’s supermarket aisles. Following the tumultuous departures of Delhaize and Cora, rumors of Carrefour potentially scaling back operations – or even leaving the country – have sparked anxiety among staff and union representatives. While Carrefour management swiftly denied these claims, the underlying concerns about the future of retail in Belgium, and the increasing vulnerability of its workforce, remain potent. This isn’t simply about one company; it’s a symptom of a broader shift towards franchising, hyper-competition, and a precarious landscape for retail workers.

The Fragile State of Belgian Retail

The recent upheaval in the Belgian retail sector hasn’t come as a complete surprise. As Myriam Djegham of the CNE union pointed out, “Everything seems plausible today in Belgium.” The trend towards franchising, while offering potential benefits for large corporations, often leaves employees with fewer protections and less job security. This is compounded by intense competition, fueled by both political decisions and the strategic maneuvers of major brands. The constant buying and selling of brands creates instability, and ultimately, workers bear the brunt of the consequences.

The immediate trigger for the latest wave of concern was a meeting between Carrefour management and union representatives. Initially scheduled to discuss Sunday opening hours – a contentious issue in itself – the meeting quickly pivoted to address the swirling rumors. According to Manu Gonzalez, CNE permanent secretary, Carrefour firmly denied plans for closure, emphasizing continued consumer confidence and a three-year period of recovery in Belgium. However, this reassurance felt incomplete, particularly given the recent precedents.

Sunday Work and the Cost to Employees

The issue of Sunday opening remains a central point of contention. Carrefour’s proposal for expanded Sunday hours is framed as a necessary “effort required of workers,” a phrasing that has understandably raised alarm bells. While the company promises investments for 2026, unions are demanding concrete guarantees regarding employment levels and a commitment to avoid further franchising. The core concern is that increased opening hours will lead to increased pressure on staff, potentially without commensurate benefits or job security. This echoes a wider European debate about the balance between consumer convenience and worker wellbeing, as explored in a recent Eurofound report on working time and work-life balance.

The Rise of Franchising: A Double-Edged Sword

The increasing prevalence of franchising in the Belgian retail landscape is a key driver of the current anxieties. While franchising can allow brands to expand rapidly, it often shifts risk – and cost-cutting measures – onto franchisees. This can lead to lower wages, reduced benefits, and less stable employment for workers. The lack of consistent regulation across franchises further exacerbates the problem, creating a fragmented and often exploitative labor market. The shift towards franchising isn’t unique to Belgium; it’s a global trend, but the Belgian context – with its strong tradition of social dialogue – makes the current situation particularly sensitive.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Belgian Retail?

The Carrefour situation highlights a critical juncture for the Belgian retail sector. The denial of closure rumors may have temporarily calmed immediate fears, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. The future likely holds continued consolidation, increased competition, and a growing role for franchising. To mitigate the negative consequences for workers, stronger regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure fair labor practices across all retail models. This includes stricter enforcement of existing laws, increased investment in worker training and upskilling, and a renewed commitment to social dialogue between employers, unions, and government.

The Belgian retail landscape is evolving rapidly, and the anxieties surrounding Carrefour are a stark reminder of the human cost of these changes. The question isn’t simply whether Carrefour will stay or go, but whether Belgium can create a retail environment that prioritizes both economic competitiveness and the wellbeing of its workforce. What steps will policymakers and industry leaders take to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for retail in Belgium?

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Economy

National Train Disruptions: Widespread Service Halted

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

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Dutch Train Strike: Travel Chaos Continues, Festivalgoers Affected

Table of Contents

The Netherlands Is Experiencing Important Travel Disruption As A Dutch Train Strike Enters Its Third Day In Just Over A Week. The Action By Ns Staff Has Brought Large Parts of The Country’s North And South To A Standstill, Leaving Commuters Stranded And Festival Attendees Scrambling For Alternative Transport.

Impact Of The Rail Strike

Many Stations Are Deserted As A Result Of The Ongoing Industrial Action. The Effects Of The Train Strike Are Being Felt Nationwide, With Reduced Services Reported Across The Network. However, Regional Rail Operators Are Still Running, And International Train Services Remain Operational.

The Eurocity Service to Brussels Is Operating Under Restrictions; Only Passengers With International Tickets Are Permitted To Travel. Ns Urges Passengers To Check The Ns App For Real-Time updates before Embarking On Their Journeys.

National Train Disruptions: Widespread Service Halted
train Service Disruptions Across the Netherlands. Source: Ns

Festivalgoers affected

The Strike Coincides With the Start of The Best Kept Secret Festival In Hilvarenbeek, Potentially Causing Major Headaches For Attendees. The Campsite Opened at 10 A.M., But Tilburg Station, the Nearest Rail Link, Is Inaccessible Due To The Strike.

To mitigate The Impact, Organizers Have Arranged Shuttle Buses From tilburg, Oss, breda, and Zaltbommel. Festivalgoers Are Also encouraged To Carpool.

similarly, Visitors Heading To The Oerolfestival On Terschelling Can Utilize Bus Services From Utrecht Central And Amsterdam Sloterdijk To reach Harlingen, Where they Can Catch A Ferry. Separate Tickets Are Required For these Bus Services.

Strike Negotiations Deadlocked

road Traffic Conditions

Rijkswaterstaat, The Dutch Directorate-general For Public Works And Water Management, Predicts Relatively Normal Road Traffic This Morning. “Friday Mornings Are Rarely Busy,” They State. “Traffic Should Flow Smoothly, Even though It might potentially be Slightly Heavier Due To The Rail Strike In The North And South.”

Though, Rijkswaterstaat Anticipates Increased Traffic Congestion Tonight, Potentially Exacerbated By Severe Thunderstorms Forecast For The Southwest.”Check Our Website And Monitor Weather Reports Before traveling,” They Advise.

Did You Know? Rail strikes cost the UK economy £15 million per day, highlighting the significant economic impact of such actions. (Source: Centre for Economic Performance, 2023)

Travel alternatives During The Strike

With Train Services Disrupted, Several Alternative Travel Options Are Available:

  • Bus Services: Regional Bus Operators are Running As Usual.
  • Carpooling: Share Rides With Friends Or Colleagues.
  • Rental Cars: Consider renting A Car, But Be Aware Of Potential Traffic Congestion.
  • Bicycles: For Shorter Distances, Cycling Can Be A Viable Option.

Weather Warning

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological institute (KNMI) Has Issued A Code Yellow Weather Warning For The Southwest Of The Country Due To Expected Heavy Thunderstorms. Travelers Are Advised To Stay Updated On The Latest Weather Forecasts And plan Their Journeys Accordingly.

Pro Tip: Download Real-Time Traffic Apps Like Google Maps Or Waze For Up-to-Date Traffic Conditions And Alternative Routes.

Comparing Travel Options

Travel Mode Pros Cons
Train (Regional/International) reliable (When Operational), Pleasant Limited Availability Due To Strike
Bus Widespread Network can Be Slower Than Trains
Carpooling Cost-Effective, Social Requires Coordination
Rental Car Flexible, Convenient Can Be Expensive, Traffic-Prone

How Has The Train Strike Affected Your Travel Plans? What Alternative Transportation Methods Have You Considered?

understanding The Broader Context Of Strikes

Employee Dissatisfaction Over Wages And working Conditions Often Fuels Strikes. In Recent Years, Several Sectors Have Seen Increased Strike Action As Workers Seek Fairer Compensation And Better Benefits in Line With Rising Inflation And Cost Of Living. For Example, Teachers in the US had strikes due to low wages.

Strikes Can Have Far-Reaching Implications, Affecting Not Only The workers And Employers Involved But Also The Wider Economy And Society. It’s a complex issue with multiple stakeholders and varying perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Dutch Train Strike

  • Why Is

    Considering the widespread train disruptions across the nation, what are the most common factors contributing to these issues, and how can passengers best prepare for and cope with these unexpected delays?

    National Train Disruptions: Widespread service Halted

    Breaking News: Train Service Suspensions & Delays Across the Nation

    Are you experiencing train delays or disruption to your travel plans? National train disruptions are currently impacting rail services across the country. Passengers are facing significant service halts due to various unforeseen circumstances, from adverse weather to technical issues. This article provides the most up-to-date details on affected routes, the causes behind the delays, and resources for affected travelers. We’ll offer advice on how to mitigate the impact of these unexpected train cancellations and provide information about claiming compensation for delayed train journeys.

    Key Factors Contributing to Train disruptions

    Several key factors can cause significant national rail disruptions. Understanding these factors will help you better plan your journey and anticipate potential challenges. These include:

    • Severe Weather Conditions: Heavy snow, strong winds, flooding, and extreme heat can all lead to train service suspensions and route closures.
    • Equipment Failures: Mechanical breakdowns,signal failures,and other technical issues can cause widespread delays and train schedule changes.
    • Infrastructure Problems: Track maintenance, repairs, and upgrades frequently enough lead to train delays, sometimes scheduled. Bridge closures can also interrupt services.
    • Industrial Action & Strike: Labor disputes and rail worker strikes can considerably impact service availability.
    • Security incidents: Security alerts, investigations, and accidents also disrupt services.

    Affected Routes and Areas: Real-Time Updates

    Finding real-time, accurate information is crucial during national train disturbances. Use the following resources to stay informed:

    • national Rail Enquiries: Their website ([Insert National Rail enquiries Link Here – External Link]) and mobile app provide the latest train status updates, including delayed trains and cancelled services.
    • Train operating Company (TOC) websites: Each TOC (e.g., Avanti West Coast, LNER, etc.) provides specific updates on their services. ([Insert Table of TOC Websites – example below])
    • Social Media: Follow official rail accounts, such as the TOCs and National Rail on social media for the latest announcements.
    train Operating Company (TOC) Website
    Avanti West coast Avanti West Coast Website
    LNER LNER Website
    GWR GWR Website
    … (Add more TOCs as required) …

    Please Note: During major disruptions, the information provided by these sources can change rapidly. Always double-check with multiple sources before traveling and be prepared for potential service alterations.

    Passenger Rights and Assistance: What to Do When Your Train is Delayed

    Knowing your rights and the support available to you is very vital when faced with delays. Here’s what you should know:

    • Delay Repay Scheme: Most TOCs have a Delay Repay scheme. This allows you to claim compensation if your journey is delayed by a set amount of time (typically 15, 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the TOC).
    • Ticket refunds: If your train is cancelled, you are usually entitled to a full refund.
    • Alternative Transportation: The TOC may arrange alternative transport, such as buses or taxis, to get you to your destination.
    • Customer Service: Contact the TOC’s customer service department for assistance. Always keep your ticket, and gather proof of delays or any specific details about the service disruption.

    Practical Tips for Dealing with Train Disruptions

    While train cancellations and delays can be frustrating, here are some tips to help you cope:

    • Check before you travel: Check the train status before you leave home.
    • Allow extra time: build in extra time into your journey, especially during adverse weather or other known disruption situations.
    • Consider alternative routes: If possible, explore other transport options or train routes, if available. Keep in mind that during major disruptions, other transport options may also be overloaded.
    • Stay informed: Use the real-time resources (mentioned above) to follow updates.
    • Pack essentials: Carry water, snacks, and any necessary medications or other essential items.
    • Be patient: Train disruptions can lead to significant stress and inconvenience, but patience is essential.Remaining calm is the key to overcoming this.

    Case Study: Real-World Example

    Case Study: During the winter of 2022, extreme weather conditions led to major train disruptions across the UK, including cancellations throughout the network. For individuals facing delays, the Delay Repay scheme provided critical financial relief and proved how critically importent passenger rights are during these times.

    If you are affected by national train disruptions,remember that you are not alone. Stay informed, stay safe, and make claims as soon as possible to receive due money or other assistance.

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