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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 more than 104,000 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.
Half 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 ruled out a full-out strike.
The ballot does give the union a mandate for a strike, but it has already ruled this out. However, the ballot does give the union a mandate for one, but instead it has already said it will target non-urgent care.
Operations cancelledOperations 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.
Unions representing a host of health professionals, including paramedics, admin staff and porters, have already taken part in strikes over pension changes.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. But the Royal College of Nursing, one of the most influential voices inside the NHS alongside the BMA, has yet to decide what it will do.
It has held a ballot where the majority rejected the government's pension changes, but the turnout was low.
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.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 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.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. But the BMA said it was not making any comment on the ballot results until its council - the leadership body of the union - met later.
The Department of Health has said the changes are "proportionate and reasonable".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. It said a new doctor joining the new scheme could still expect a pension of more than £53,000.
Dean Royles, director of NHS Employers, said: "We know that doctors are anxious about changes to their pensions. But no one wants to see patients dragged into the argument.
"Industrial action could potentially mean delays to treatment. It would be particularly distressing for patients and extremely worrying for staff who are dedicated to putting patients first."
The BMA has produced a website that calculates how doctors are affected by the changes.
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.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.