Doctors in England have started a fresh round of industrial action on Tuesday amid ongoing tensions with the government over pay and working conditions. The six-day strike involves resident doctors—those below consultant level—and is expected to place further pressure on the nation’s healthcare system.
This marks the 15th strike by doctors in just over three years. Earlier strikes had secured a 28.9% pay increase spread over three years. However, members of the British Medical Association argue that this increment does not sufficiently compensate for the erosion of earnings caused by inflation.
The union is calling for full pay restoration to 2008 levels, a demand the government has repeatedly deemed unrealistic given current economic conditions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the strike, saying doctors had already received significant pay increases compared to other public sector workers.
“They have been the standout winners of the entire public sector workforce when it comes to pay rises,” Streeting said, adding that the strike could cost the National Health Service around £300 million.
The dispute continues against the backdrop of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, which has fueled demands for higher wages across multiple sectors. While the government has offered concessions, including prioritising UK-trained doctors for training placements, a resolution remains elusive, raising concerns about exteted disruption to healthcare services.