Resident Doctors in England Announce five-Day Strike Over Pay and training Concerns
Resident doctors in England are set to begin a five-day strike on November 14th, escalating a dispute with the government over pay and access to specialist training. The strike, announced by the British Medical Association (BMA), will be the 13th industrial action taken by resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – since march 2023.
The decision follows the breakdown of negotiations with the Health secretary over the past week.Key issues in the talks centered on the BMA’s demand for a 29% pay rise for resident doctors and challenges faced by early-career medics in securing positions in their desired medical specialties.
BMA representatives expressed disappointment with the government’s response, stating that a recent letter from the Health Secretary offered only “vague promises” regarding improvements to jobs and training, with changes not expected for two years. They argued that ministers appeared unwilling to reach a deal, “leaving us little option but to call for strike action.” Resident doctors have already participated in 49 days of strike action over the last 31 months, with all but one instance occurring under the previous Conservative administration.
Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the BMA’s decision as “preposterous,” accusing the organization of “reckless posturing” and initiating “unnecessary strikes” that would negatively impact patients. He highlighted that resident doctors’ salaries have increased by 28.9% over the past three years and stated the government could not offer further pay increases this year. Streeting also claimed the strike action was “blocking a better deal” that would improve working conditions and increase the number of specialty training posts.
Sources close to Streeting indicated that an agreement had been reached with the Resident Doctors’ Committee (RDC), but was rejected by the wider BMA committee. The Health secretary reportedly told senior doctors he was seeking compromise, but felt the BMA favored tactics resembling “agitprop or student politics,” hindering progress towards a resolution.
Experts warn of meaningful consequences for the National Health service (NHS). Richard Sloggett, a former special advisor at the Department of Health and Social Care, described the strikes as a “hammer blow” to efforts to improve NHS performance and reduce waiting lists, particularly as the government considers tax increases in the upcoming budget to fund healthcare.Daniel Elkeles, CEO of NHS Providers, stated that another strike was “the last thing the NHS needs” as it prepares for a challenging winter.
The Patients Association also voiced concerns, with trustee Alf Collins warning that the strike would lead to delays in appointments and treatments, potentially extending for weeks or months, leaving patients “waiting in pain and uncertainty.”
