North Staffordshire health leaders back GP work-to-rule action

GPs to start work-to-rule action over pay amid fears waiting times could increase

GPs in North Staffordshire are to start taking industrial action over pay, which could lead to longer waiting times for patients.

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that its members in the area will begin working to rule from January 23.

This means that GPs will only carry out the duties that are set out in their contracts, and will not be working any extra hours.

The BMA said that the move was a "last resort" after negotiations with the government over a new contract for GPs broke down.

The government has offered GPs a 2% pay rise, but the BMA is demanding 5%.

The BMA said that the government's offer was "insulting" and that it would not accept it.

The Department of Health said that it was "disappointed" by the BMA's decision to take industrial action.

A spokesperson said that the government was committed to supporting GPs and that it would continue to work with the BMA to reach a deal.

However, the BMA said that it was not optimistic about the chances of reaching a deal.

The BMA's chairman, Dr. Mark Porter, said that the government was "not listening" to GPs.

He said that the BMA was "left with no choice" but to take industrial action.

The BMA has warned that the industrial action could lead to longer waiting times for patients.

The BMA said that GPs would be prioritising urgent cases, but that routine appointments could be delayed.

The BMA said that it regretted any inconvenience that the industrial action would cause to patients.

However, the BMA said that it was necessary to take action to protect the future of general practice.