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A five-day strike by resident doctors in England commenced on 17 December, as the British Medical Association (BMA) reported that 83% of its members voted in favour of continuing their industrial action. The strike is a response to the government’s refusal to raise doctors’ salaries further, marking the 14th strike since the dispute began in March 2023. Patients are advised to prepare for potential disruptions, particularly as the NHS grapples with an influx of winter illnesses.
Understanding Resident Doctors
Previously known as junior doctors, resident doctors are fully qualified individuals who have completed their medical degrees. They constitute nearly half of the medical workforce in England, providing essential services across the NHS, including in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments and general practice settings. After completing their foundational two-year training, many opt to specialise in various fields of medicine or surgery. Although the term “junior doctor” has been replaced to better align with their qualifications and responsibilities, the experience levels of resident doctors can vary significantly; some may have recently graduated while others bring over a decade of clinical experience.
Current Compensation and Salary Concerns
The salary structure for resident doctors in England begins at £38,831 during their first foundation year, rising to £44,439 in the second year. Additional payments are often granted for night shifts and weekend work. Over time, salaries can increase significantly, potentially reaching around £73,000 after eight years or more in practice. Recent pay rises have amounted to 22% in 2023 and 2024, with an additional 5.4% increase in 2025.
Despite these increases, the BMA asserts that the real-term pay for resident doctors has declined by 20% since 2008, even accounting for the latest salary adjustments. The government calculates pay increases using the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), while many residents face substantial student loan debts calculated with the Retail Prices Index (RPI), which typically yields a higher figure. Analysis from the Nuffield Trust indicates that if RPI is used, pay has effectively fallen by nearly 20% since 2008.
Government Response and Future Implications
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that resident doctors have received the most significant pay increases among public sector workers over the past three years, totalling nearly 30%. However, he maintains that the government will not entertain any further pay increases. Instead, the latest government proposals aim to expand the number of specialist training posts available to resident doctors, which is crucial for their career progression. In 2025, over 30,000 applicants vied for 10,000 positions, prompting the government to pledge an increase of 4,000 posts by 2028.
In response to the government’s offer, Dr. Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, remarked that the proposal fails to adequately address the pay concerns that lie within the government’s authority. The BMA has signalled its intent to extend the current mandate for industrial action, which is set to expire in early January 2026.
Impact on Patients and NHS Operations
The strike is set to last until 0700 GMT on 22 December, coinciding with a peak period for NHS services as hospitals attempt to manage rising flu cases alongside the usual winter pressures. NHS leaders have urged patients to seek care as needed, advising attendance at scheduled appointments unless contacted otherwise. For emergencies, patients are encouraged to call 999, while non-urgent matters should be directed to NHS 111.
During previous strikes, hospitals were instructed to minimise the cancellation of routine appointments, but the current situation may lead to significant disruptions, impacting thousands of patients. Notably, this strike does not affect healthcare services in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Why it Matters
The ongoing strike by resident doctors underscores a critical struggle within the NHS, highlighting not just pay disparities but also the broader issues of working conditions and support for medical professionals. As winter illnesses surge, the ripple effects of this walkout could strain an already beleaguered healthcare system, ultimately placing vulnerable patients at risk. Addressing these concerns is essential for the sustainability of healthcare in England and the well-being of both doctors and patients alike.
