Thousands of resident doctors in England have commenced a five-day strike, marking the 13th such walkout since industrial action began in March 2023. The strike started at 7am on Friday and is set to continue until Tuesday, creating significant disruption for the National Health Service.
The Core of the Pay Dispute
The British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors' union, is demanding a 26% pay uplift for resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors. They argue this increase is necessary to restore earnings to 2008 levels after accounting for inflation.
Dr Tom Dolphin, Chair of the BMA, told Sky News that despite some recent pay increases, compensation for medics remains "way down" compared with 2008. He highlighted that when the dispute began, the most junior doctors were earning approximately £14 per hour.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, has accused NHS managers of "emotionally blackmailing frontline staff" by attempting to call them off strikes to cover planned work.
Government Stance and Poll Controversy
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has remained resolute in refusing the pay demands. The government points to last year's 29% settlement with junior doctors, which they describe as one of the largest in the public sector and intended to end the dispute.
On social media, Streeting shared a Times report citing a poll suggesting 48% of resident doctors wanted the action called off, with only 33% supporting it. He stated: "The BMA didn't put our offer to their members, and now we know why: they wouldn't have backed their unnecessary and irresponsible strikes."
Impact on NHS Services and Patients
The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers have warned that continued strike action could lead to:
- Reduced frontline staffing
- Cancelled tests and appointments
- Fewer operations being carried out
During the last resident doctors' strike, more than 54,000 procedures and appointments required cancellation or rescheduling, despite the NHS maintaining 93% of planned activity.
NHS England has urged patients to continue attending planned appointments unless notified otherwise and to use emergency services as normal for urgent care needs.
The dispute occurs alongside news that thousands of NHS job cuts will proceed after the Treasury approved £1 billion to fund redundancies, adding further tension to the ongoing pay negotiations.
