Resident Doctors in England Begin Six-Day Strike Over Pay and Jobs
Key Takeaways
- Six-day strike begins April 7, 2026, involving tens of thousands of resident doctors.
- NHS maintains urgent/emergency care; urges patients not to delay treatment.
- Government withdraws offer of extra training places amid strike.
Strike Unfolds
Tens of thousands of resident doctors in England began a six-day strike on April 7.
“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”
The strike follows the government's withdrawal of an offer for 1,000 extra training places.
NHS England urged patients not to delay seeking care and said hospital teams would work to minimize disruption.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the decision disappointing.
Dispute Background and Impact
The BMA argued doctors are still being paid a fifth less than in 2008 after inflation.
The latest government offer would have made resident doctors 35.2% better off on average.
Patients were warned of disruption but urgent and emergency care would remain priorities.
Health leaders cautioned disruption could last for weeks.
Patient Advice
NHS England has stressed the majority of patient services are expected to continue.
Patients have been advised to attend scheduled appointments unless contacted otherwise.
Those with life-threatening emergencies should call 999 or attend A&E as normal.
The timing after the Easter weekend is expected to add to the challenge.
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