Junior doctors in England will strike from 24 to 28 February over a pay dispute with the government. The British Medical Association (BMA) is demanding a 35% pay increase, which the government has rejected. The strike is expected to disrupt routine hospital services, with many appointments likely to be canceled.
The BMA criticized the government for not meeting its deadline to offer an improved pay deal, but remains open to negotiations if a “credible offer” is made. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed disappointment over the strike, stating it would put “enormous pressure” on the NHS.
This will be the 10th strike by junior doctors since March 2023, following a record six-day strike in January that resulted in 100,000 canceled appointments. The BMA is also considering further industrial action beyond this strike.
Since December 2022, over 1.2 million medical appointments have been canceled due to strikes by NHS workers, including nurses and paramedics. Talks are ongoing for a new pay deal for consultants after the latest offer was rejected.