Disruption expected as six-day doctors’ strike begins
Disruption Expected as Six-Day Doctors’ Strike Begins
On Tuesday, resident doctors in England will initiate a six-day walkout starting at 07:00 BST, marking their 15th protest in a prolonged pay dispute. This action is anticipated to create major challenges for NHS services, as these doctors—previously known as junior doctors—comprise almost half of the medical workforce. To compensate, senior medical professionals are stepping in for emergency care, yet this has forced the cancellation of some scheduled procedures and consultations.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced the strike after discussions with the government failed to resolve disagreements. NHS leaders are emphasizing the importance of patients seeking urgent care via 999 or 111 as usual, while advising those with planned appointments to attend unless otherwise informed. GP services, however, appear to be largely unaffected by the disruption.
A Patient’s Concern
Adrian Emery, a 55-year-old from Nottinghamshire, is among those impacted. He was set to attend a phone consultation on Tuesday after experiencing multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in January, which left him with hearing issues. The initial follow-up was postponed to mid-June but has now been scrapped. Emery remains anxious, fearing a full stroke before his next appointment. “I’m very worried because my grandfather had a severe stroke. I hope I don’t have one before I’m seen,” he told BBC News.
“It’s very regrettable and I am very sorry to any patients affected by this industrial action.”
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctor committee, expressed regret over the strike’s impact. He argued that real-term pay cuts have persisted despite a 33% increase over four years, with current wages still 20% below 2008 levels when inflation is factored in. Fletcher also noted that the situation might worsen due to rising inflation linked to the Iran conflict. He stated that the strike was “wholly avoidable” if the government had been open to negotiation, adding that the demand for better pay was not unreasonable.
The Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson defended the government’s offer, calling it a “generous deal” and highlighting efforts to protect the NHS from disruption. However, the BMA disputes this, claiming the proposed measures included covering expenses like exam fees, faster salary progression across five training bands, and additional specialist roles. The first wave of these changes—intended for 1,000 positions this summer—was revoked after the strike announcement.
Pay Rises and Inflation Debate
Resident doctors recently received a 3.5% pay raise, part of the annual public sector review. This brings starting salaries to just over £40,000, while senior doctors earn up to £76,500. Additional earnings for unsocial hours or extra work can push their total income significantly higher. The government, however, disputes the BMA’s claim that pay is 20% lower than in 2008, pointing to the use of RPI as a more inflationary metric than others.
Meanwhile, BMA staff are also striking. Members of the GMB union, including administrative and support roles, are involved in a two-day walkout over pay. They have been offered a 2.75% increase this year, despite a 17% drop in wages since 2012. The latest YouGov poll indicates 53% of the public opposes the strikes, while 38% supports them. The government maintains its stance on pay, asserting it has already provided the most substantial raises in the sector’s history.
