UK Doctors Commence 5-Day Strike Over Pay, Training Shortages

Doctors across England on Friday launched a five-day strike, the latest in a series of industrial actions over pay and limited training opportunities within the National Health Service (NHS).

The walkout, which began at 0700 GMT, involves resident doctors—those below consultant level—who represent roughly half of the hospital medical workforce. This marks the 13th strike by doctors since March 2023, underscoring ongoing tensions between the government and the medical profession.

Health Minister Wes Streeting criticised the action, accusing the British Medical Association (BMA) of escalating a political dispute rather than focusing on patient care. In an article published in the Daily Telegraph, he argued the strike “isn’t about fairness any more,” claiming the government has already delivered “a 28.9 per cent pay rise over the last three years” and the highest public-sector pay award in two years.

Streeting insisted there would be no further concessions.

But the BMA rejected that stance, maintaining that junior doctors require a 26 percent increase to restore pay to its real value compared to two decades ago. The union is also pressing for more training posts, noting that demand far exceeds supply.

In some specialities, more than 30,000 doctors are competing for just 10,000 training places necessary to advance toward consultant roles, leaving thousands of qualified medics without permanent posts.

The dispute comes as the UK grapples with a prolonged cost-of-living crisis that has fuelled widespread industrial unrest. Over the past three and a half years, workers across key sectors—including teachers, nurses, ambulance staff, lawyers, rail employees, and border officials—have staged walkouts demanding better pay and working conditions.

NHS services are expected to face significant strain during the five-day action, with hospitals urging patients to seek urgent care only when necessary.