Newscast What Can The Government Actually Afford?
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Jul 9, 2025 Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, and Hugh Pym, BBC health editor, dive into pressing UK topics. They discuss the impending strikes by resident doctors over pay disputes and the government's refusal to negotiate. The duo also tackles the challenges of compensating victims of the infected blood scandal, highlighting systemic failures and injustices. Plus, they explore how fiscal drag affects taxpayers and share humorous anecdotes, all while emphasizing the tough balance the government must strike between healthcare funding and other expenses.
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Pay Dispute Hinges on Inflation Measure
- Resident doctors demand pay restoration to pre-2008 real terms, citing a 20% real pay cut despite recent increases.
- The inflation measure used (RPI vs CPI) greatly affects the perception of pay cuts and government offer adequacy.
Doctors' Negotiating Power & Public Support
- Resident doctors are crucial for NHS functioning and hold strong negotiating power due to their workload.
- Government assumes public support for doctors' demands has fallen, which may impact strike decisions.
Infected Blood Inquiry Critiques
- The infected blood compensation scheme is slow and perceived as unfair, frustrating victims waiting for payouts.
- Delays and complex compensation grades repeat previous governmental failings of honesty and responsiveness.