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Doctors vote in favour of industrial action Doctors vote in favour of industrial action
(40 minutes later)
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC NewsBy Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
A majority of doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action over changes to their pensions.A majority of doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action over changes to their pensions.
The British Medical Association balloted over 100,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair. The British Medical Association balloted more than 104,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair.
Just over 50,000 responded, with 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voting in favour. Half responded, with 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voting in favour.
The union's leadership will confirm its plans later, having previously said non-urgent care would be targeted.The union's leadership will confirm its plans later, having previously said non-urgent care would be targeted.
The ballot does give the union a mandate for a strike, but it has already ruled this out.The ballot does give the union a mandate for a strike, but it has already ruled this out.
Operations cancelled
Industrial action would mean elective operations such as knee and hip replacements being cancelled.Industrial action would mean elective operations such as knee and hip replacements being cancelled.
GP practices would remain open, but routine appointments would not take place.GP practices would remain open, but routine appointments would not take place.
But tests for conditions such as cancer would still take place, while A&E units and maternity services would run as normal.But tests for conditions such as cancer would still take place, while A&E units and maternity services would run as normal.
If action is taken it will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken such a step.If action is taken it will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken such a step.
More to follow. Unions representing a host of health professionals, including paramedics, admin staff and porters, have already taken part in strikes over pension changes.
But the Royal College of Nursing, one of them most influential voices inside the NHS alongside the BMA, has yet to decide what it will do.
Under the plans, which apply to England and Wales but could be introduced elsewhere in the UK, the age at which doctors retire would rise from 65 to 68 by 2015.
The contributions doctors have to make are also due to rise.
The union has also pointed out that the current scheme - which was only agreed as recently as 2008 - brings in a £2bn a year surplus.
But the BMA said it was not making any comment on the ballot reults until its council - the leadership body of the union - met later.
The Department of Health has said the changes are "proportionate and reasonable".
It said a new doctor joining the new scheme could still expect a pension of over £53,000.
Are you a doctor? What is your reaction to the vote in favour of industrial action? What do you think about the planned changes pensions? You can send us your comments using the form below.