England Resident Doctors To Begin Five-Day Strike Wednesday

Resident doctors in England will proceed with a five-day strike starting Wednesday after members of the British Medical Association (BMA) voted to reject a new government offer.

The strike, involving junior doctors, is scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Government ministers have warned that the strike could put patients at risk, as hospitals are already under severe strain from a surge in flu cases.

According to the BMA, 83% of participating members voted in an online ballot over the weekend in favour of continuing with the strike.

The poll was held after the government presented a revised proposal last week, which included plans to expand specialty training posts and cover certain out-of-pocket costs such as examination fees. However, the offer did not address pay, a key demand of the union.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he will not reopen pay negotiations, noting that resident doctors’ salaries have risen by nearly 30% over the past three years.

The BMA argues that despite those increases, resident doctors are still significantly worse off, saying their pay remains around 20% lower than it was in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.

This week’s action will mark the 14th strike in a protracted dispute that began in March 2023.

Resident doctors, who make up nearly half of England’s medical workforce, are expected to withdraw services from both emergency and non-urgent care, with senior doctors drafted in to provide cover during the strike period.