UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – NHS faces fresh strike threats as resident doctors demand a 29% pay rise, risking mass cancellations of appointments and operations across England.
As reported by The Guardian, resident doctors demanding a 29% wage increase may trigger fresh strikes, sparking concern across hospitals. The action could lead to hundreds of thousands of treatments and appointments being cancelled.
How is the NHS preparing for another wave of doctor strikes?
Health officials in England warn that the latest vote by resident doctors may lead to fresh industrial action. The ballot closes Monday and is expected to trigger further disruption.
If approved, the situation could trigger waves of strike action by tens of thousands of resident doctors pushing for a 29% pay rise through walkouts. The junior doctors’ 44-day strike, which took place between March 2023 and July 2024, resulted in the cancellation of a large number of outpatient appointments and procedures.
After Labour took office last year, Health Secretary Wes Streeting awarded resident doctors a 22% pay rise over two years, ending strike action. Despite receiving a 5.4% pay increase this year, resident doctors now plan to begin strikes from this month through to January 2026.
What did the BMA say about the 5.4% pay offer?
The British Medical Association, representing 55,000 resident doctors, dismissed the 5.4% pay offer as “derisory” and “woefully inadequate.” It argued that resident doctors deserve a 29% wage increase to recover income lost due to a 23% decline in value since 2008.
The ballot result is due on Tuesday. A renewed strike mandate could hinder the government’s efforts to reduce waiting lists and meet its 2029 NHS pledge.
What did Danny Mortimer say about possible strikes?
Danny Mortimer, head of NHS Employers, which negotiates pay on behalf of England’s 215 health trusts, voiced concern over fresh strike action.
He said,
“The last thing health leaders want is more industrial action, which will likely lead to tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of appointments and operations being cancelled, leaving patients in pain and frustration. A decision to strike after the largest series of pay awards in the public sector would be a troubling development.”
Mr Mortimer added,
“While we fully understand the genuine grievances resident doctors have over their pay, conditions and training, going on strike will have a huge impact on the NHS and patients.”
What did Rachel Power say about the doctor strikes?
Rachel Power, head of the Patients Association, backed the right to strike but expressed hope that walkouts could still be avoided.
She added,
“With the 10-year health plan promising to rebuild the NHS and restore public trust, we must ask how this can be achieved amid the risk of continued industrial action. The government and the BMA must find a solution urgently.”
What did Daniel Elkeles say about the impact of strikes?
Daniel Elkeles, head of NHS Providers, warned that strikes would force trusts to manage disruption instead of focusing on patient care improvements.
He added,
“With a government review into training for resident doctors underway, this will help us to get back to resident doctors feeling as valued as much as we value their contribution to the success of the NHS.”
What did the Health Department say about strike talks?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said,
“We want to work constructively with all unions to avoid disrupting services for patients. The secretary of state has always been clear on his priority to avoid strike action, and he met with the resident doctors committee on his very first day in government.”
They added,
“We are on a journey to improve conditions for resident doctors, and they have received a pay rise of 28.9% over the last three years. Our 10-year health plan will also slash bureaucracy across the health service, reducing burdensome administrative tasks and making use of technology so doctors can spend time on what they do best – caring for patients.”
What did Wes Streeting say about possible strike action?
Wes Streeting has warned of continued disruption if doctors vote to strike, urging them to step back from industrial action.
He added,
“We can’t afford to return to a continuous cycle of standoffs, strikes and cancellations.”