Techonology and Science14 November, 20252 min read
Thousands of Resident Doctors Launch Five-Day Strike Over Pay
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Thousands of resident doctors began a five-day walkout starting 07:00 Nov 14. Action is the 13th doctors' walkout since March 2023 in a pay dispute.
7 outlets told this the same way.
Resident doctors strike in England
Thousands of resident doctors across England have begun a five-day strike over pay. The action runs from 7am on Friday and ends at 7am on 19 November, joining a series of walkouts since March 2023 that unions say are a last resort after failed talks. The BMA calls the industrial action part of a wider dispute over pay restoration for resident doctors.
“Doctors across the area who are BMA member resident doctors (formerly junior doctors) have begun a five-day strike over pay, running from 7am Friday until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.”
Resident doctors make up about half of the NHS medical workforce, and reporting notes the UK has about 77,000 resident doctors. Local outlets and regional papers confirm the timing and local participation. Hospitals have been told to keep life-saving care running while routine operations should continue where possible.
NHS strike impacts on care
Hospitals and NHS leaders have been told to keep life-saving and routine care running where possible. NHS England and some trusts are aiming to deliver around 95% of planned elective activity during the strike, a target officials describe as ambitious.
National organisations warned the industrial action has previously led to tens of thousands of cancelled or rescheduled procedures despite high maintained activity levels. They say repeated walkouts risk worsening waiting lists as the NHS heads into winter.
Doctors' pay dispute
At the heart of the dispute is pay: the BMA says doctors require a significant uplift to restore real-terms pay, with figures reported including a 26% demand to restore earnings. The government points to nearly a 30% pay rise for resident doctors over three years and has offered a smaller pay package for 2024/25.
“Health Secretary Wes Streeting says doctors have had nearly a 30% pay rise over three years, while the BMA says doctors need a 26% increase to restore real-terms earnings.”
Disagreement persists over headline demands; some reports cite a 28.9% BMA claim that ministers have rejected. The BMA has also declined to accept 'derogations' that would see some striking doctors temporarily recalled to cover planned work.
NHS strike reactions
The strike has drawn political criticism, union defence and mixed public and workforce polling. Ministers and NHS leaders have warned that repeated walkouts strain budgets and services and could leave the health service vulnerable. BMA leaders describe the action as a last resort and stress patient safety.
Polling cited in national coverage suggests many junior doctors would prefer to call the action off. Earlier strikes were estimated to cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds.
