Resident doctors within the NHS plan to go on a four-day strike starting from June 15, marking their 16th industrial action since 2023. The strike announcement came after a meeting between doctors and the new Health Secretary, James Murray, who refused to increase the proposed 3.5% pay raise for resident doctors for the upcoming year.
Despite a 33.4% pay increase for resident doctors in the past four years, the British Medical Association (BMA) pushed for further pay hikes, citing a real-terms pay decrease of around a fifth since 2008 based on the retail price index. The government’s proposed measures, which included an average pay rise of 4.9% for resident doctors this year, were rejected by the BMA.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in negotiations with the new Health Secretary. The ongoing dispute, which began under the previous government, has led to multiple strikes by medical professionals, with the cumulative cost estimated at over £3 billion.
The BMA has a mandate for industrial action until August, with the possibility of further strikes in July if no resolution is reached. Mr. Murray urged the BMA to avoid further strikes, emphasizing the positive trends in NHS performance and patient care.
Consultants and specialist doctors are also being balloted for potential industrial action, with the vote set to close on July 6. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the future of healthcare provision in the UK.
