Tens of Thousands of Resident Doctors in England Begin Six-Day Strike Over Pay and Conditions
Tens of thousands of resident doctors in England are set to begin a six-day strike Tuesday, marking a major escalation in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions. Health leaders warned the timing, following a holiday weekend, could put added pressure on services, though most care is expected to continue. Patients have been advised to attend appointments unless instructed otherwise and to seek urgent care when necessary.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the British Medical Association’s decision to proceed, noting that a government offer would have raised resident doctors’ pay by an average of 35.2% compared with four years ago.
Doctors’ representatives said they remain open to negotiations. “We have consistently maintained that we are willing to postpone industrial action should a genuinely credible offer be provided,” said Dr. Jack Fletcher. The union argued that the latest proposal fell short on pay, job clarity, and worker protections, warning that disruption is likely despite contingency plans.
