A doctor has urged colleagues not to judge those who choose not to participate in the upcoming five-day strike by junior doctors in England, citing financial constraints as a key reason. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for industrial action from November 14 to 19 over pay and training place shortages.
Dr Dev, who posts on TikTok as @doctordevify, explained that many doctors simply cannot afford to lose pay. He recalled his own experience as an F1 doctor earning £1,800 per month take-home pay on a 40-hour-week contract, saying he could only strike because his rent was low and he had no family commitments.
“There are people who simply cannot afford to strike,” Dr Dev said. “They have a family, bills to pay, they have kids, maybe they’re less than full-time. A lot of doctors are actually unemployed, struggling to find a single shift, and so they need every single shift that they can find. They’re living pay check to pay check.”
Dr Jack Fletcher from the BMA highlighted the existence of a strike fund, funded by member subscriptions, which can provide financial support to doctors who want to strike but are struggling financially. Dr Dev urged doctors not to “judge and generalise” if colleagues opt out, as they may support the strikes but cannot afford to participate.
In comments on the video, one doctor noted that missing days can also affect portfolio requirements and training progression, not just finances. Another emphasised that the decision to strike is individual and should be respected.
