Wes Streeting is set to resume discussions with doctors this week in a bid to prevent further NHS strikes. The Health Secretary is returning to the negotiating table amidst a contentious dispute with the British Medical Association, which led resident doctors on a five-day strike shortly before the Christmas holiday. The union is pushing for improved pay and more training opportunities for young doctors to address bottlenecks preventing some from securing NHS positions.
In a statement, Mr. Streeting emphasized the importance of avoiding ongoing industrial action, highlighting the negative impact it could have on resident doctors, the government, patients, and NHS staff. He indicated that there is a window of at least six weeks without strike action, as the BMA is currently balloting for a potential mandate.
The BMA is advocating for a 26% pay increase over the next few years to address the erosion in real terms salaries since 2008. While resident doctor salaries have seen recent increases, the current impasse centers on a 5.4% pay raise awarded for 2025/26, which was rejected by the doctors in a pre-Christmas ballot.
Mr. Streeting’s efforts to engage in dialogue follow the rejection of a proposal to create more NHS training roles for doctors. The ongoing rift between the government and the BMA has underscored the challenges in reaching a resolution on pay and job creation for resident doctors.
As the NHS continues to face pressures, including an early flu season, the need for a swift and amicable resolution to the dispute is crucial for both doctors and patients. Dr. Jack Fletcher of the BMA stressed the importance of the government presenting viable solutions to address the jobs crisis and restore the profession’s value, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts to prevent further strikes in the future.
