Resident doctors across England are currently undertaking their latest round of industrial action, staging a five-day walkout from November 14 to 19. This marks the thirteenth such strike since early 2023, signaling ongoing disputes between junior doctors and the government regarding their terms and conditions of employment.
The core of the dispute centers on pay. Resident doctors, also known as junior doctors in the UK, assert that their real-terms pay has significantly eroded over the past decade. They argue that years of below-inflation pay rises have led to a substantial reduction in their earning power, making it increasingly difficult to retain skilled medical professionals within the National Health Service. Their primary demand is for full pay restoration, aiming to reverse what they describe as a 26.2% real-terms pay cut since 2008.
Junior doctors are qualified medical graduates who are undergoing further training to become consultants or general practitioners. Their roles involve long and often irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts, in demanding and high-pressure hospital environments. They carry significant responsibility for patient care, often making critical decisions under supervision. Despite their crucial role in the healthcare system and the extensive training and qualifications required, many feel their compensation does not adequately reflect the intensity of their work, their level of responsibility, or the sacrifices made during their rigorous medical careers. The ongoing strikes are a testament to the depth of their concerns regarding their financial remuneration and the overall sustainability of the medical workforce. Negotiations between the British Medical Association, representing the doctors, and the government have yet to yield a resolution acceptable to both parties.
