UK resident doctors begin six-day strike amid pay, training dispute

Tens of thousands of resident doctors in England have begun a six-day strike, marking their longest industrial action to date, amid a dispute over pay and training conditions. The walkout started at 7 a.m. on April 7 after recent talks between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA) collapsed.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the striking doctors of undermining their own pay rises and training opportunities. He said there was a “legitimacy” to concerns over jobs and wages but claimed the BMA had blocked any chance of a breakthrough by rejecting what he described as a “serious offer” from the government aimed at transforming medics’ conditions, the Guardian reports. 

The BMA has demanded a 26% pay rise, spread over several years, and announced the strike after accusing the government of “shifted the goalposts” following weeks of negotiations. This marks the 15th time resident doctors have staged industrial action since March 2023, and the fourth consecutive year they have gone on strike.

NHS officials told the Guardian that the strike could cost the health service an estimated £300 million, result in cancelled appointments, and force patients to wait longer for tests, treatment, and surgery.

With this round of strikes, the cumulative costs to the NHS are estimated to exceed £3 billion since 2023. The April 7 stoppage also represents the 60th day of industrial action by resident doctors over the past three years, according to analysis by the Times and Telegraph.

Despite the disruption, patients have been urged to attend scheduled appointments unless contacted to reschedule. Those with life-threatening emergencies are advised to call 999 or go to A&E.

Talks last week failed to reach a compromise that could have led to the suspension or cancellation of the strike. Government ministers and the BMA remain far apart on several key issues, particularly pay.

The strike is scheduled to end at 7 a.m. on April 13.

By Sabina Mammadli