Resident Doctors in England to Strike Over Pay Dispute

Ninety percent of resident doctors backed strike action in response to the government's refusal to negotiate on pay restoration, despite the union's attempts to avoid industrial action. The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling for the government to reconsider its stance, warning that without a credible offer to restore pay, they have no choice but to proceed with the strike. The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has described the move as "completely unreasonable" and urged the union to "abandon their rush to strike."

Key Takeaways:

• The BMA has reported a turnout of 55% among resident doctors who voted to back strike action, with 90% supporting the move.
• Resident doctors are seeking a pay uplift of 29.2% to reverse "pay erosion" since 2008/09.
• The government has maintained that it will not reopen negotiations on pay, citing its previous award of a 4% uplift plus £750 as the highest pay award in the public sector for two years in a row.
• A spokesman for No10 stated that the government "can't be more generous" than its current offer, while the Health Secretary urged the BMA to work with the government to improve residents' working lives.
• NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles warned that the strike action, scheduled for July 25-30, will be "harmful" and "unfair" to patients due to the short notice and potential disruption to services.

Statistics:

• 90% of resident doctors voted to back strike action.
• 55% turnout among resident doctors who voted.
• 29.2% pay uplift sought by resident doctors to reverse "pay erosion" since 2008/09.
• 4% pay uplift plus £750 offered to resident doctors as part of the 2025/26 pay deal.
• Joint highest pay award in the public sector for two consecutive years, according to No10.
• Five days of strike action scheduled from July 25 to 30.

Sources:

• BMA statement on Twitter (@BMACH)
• "Health secretary urges doctors' union to call off strikes" by Lucy North (@LucyNorthPA) in The PA Wire