Resident Doctors Threaten Co-ordinated Industrial Action, Citing Pay Disputes and Government Unwillingness to Engage

Strategic Insights -

Resident doctors in England are being balloted for strike action, potentially lasting six months, due to criticism of the Government's recent pay rise offer of an average 5.4% rise for resident doctors. The British Medical Association (BMA) is urging residents to vote for strikes, citing pay disputes with the Government and the prospect of immense disruption for patient care. Consultants and specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors are also in pay disputes with the Government, and future industrial action could be co-ordinated across those groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • Resident doctors are being balloted for strike action, potentially lasting six months, due to criticism of the Government's recent pay rise offer of an average 5.4% rise for resident doctors.
  • The BMA is urging residents to vote for strikes, citing pay disputes with the Government and the prospect of immense disruption for patient care.
  • Consultants and specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors are also in pay disputes with the Government, and future industrial action could be co-ordinated across those groups.
  • A recent poll found that 48% of Britons oppose resident doctors going on strike, while 39% support them taking action.
  • The Government has accepted salary recommendations from pay review bodies, resulting in an average 5.4% rise for resident doctors, but the BMA considers this insufficient.
  • Resident doctors have seen their pay decline by 23% in real terms since 2008.
  • If residents vote for strike action, walkouts could begin in July and could potentially last until January 2026.
  • The Patients Association is "deeply concerned" about the prospect of strike action in the NHS over the busy winter period.
  • Previous strike action from doctors in training led to 1.3 million appointments, procedures, and operations being postponed, with the true figure "likely to be much higher".

Statistics:

  • 48% of Britons oppose resident doctors going on strike (YouGov poll)
  • 39% of Britons support resident doctors taking action (YouGov poll)
  • 52% of Britons supported striking junior doctors last summer (YouGov poll)
  • Resident doctors' pay has declined by 23% in real terms since 2008
  • 1.3 million appointments, procedures, and operations were postponed due to previous strike action from doctors in training
  • Average pay rise for resident doctors offered by the Government: 5.4%
  • Start date for potential strike action: July
  • Potential end date for strike action: January 2026

Sources:

  • "Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) June 1, 2025" on Twitter
  • The Sunday Times
  • YouGov poll
  • British Medical Association (BMA)
  • Patients Association
  • PA Archive
  • Jordan Pettitt/PA