Junior doctors in England have returned to work today, bringing an end to a five-day walkout that severely disrupted hospital services across the country. The industrial action concluded as the NHS continues to grapple with a surge in flu cases, compounding pressures on an already strained health service.
Pay Dispute and Rejected Offer
The strike was called by the British Medical Association (BMA) after its members, who represent resident doctors, rejected a new Government offer. The union has been pushing for a significant pay increase, demanding an extra 26 per cent on top of the 28.9 per cent rise awarded over the previous two years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated this figure is unaffordable, but has committed to renewed negotiations in the new year.
According to the BMA's ballot, 83 per cent of voting junior doctors supported continuing strike action, while 17 per cent felt the Government's latest proposal was sufficient. The turnout for the vote was 65 per cent. The rejected offer had aimed to address concerns over training and job security.
Record Flu Cases Compound NHS Strain
The strike unfolded against a backdrop of a severe flu outbreak, described by some as a 'super-flu'. Latest figures show the number of flu patients in hospitals in England rose by 18 per cent to an average of 3,140, a record level for this time of year. This compares to 2,629 patients at the same point last year and just 648 in 2023.
Health experts warn that the impact of the strike will be long-lasting. Dr Layla McCay of the NHS Confederation stated that the disruption caused will affect waiting lists and be felt "all the way into January and beyond". Mr Streeting told MPs he is "just as, if not more, worried" about the weeks following the strike due to the combined pressures.
Calls for Negotiation and a "Better Foot" in 2026
Both sides have expressed a desire to end the protracted dispute. During a visit to a London ambulance station last week, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said, "I do want to end this dispute. I don't want us to be locked in a bitter dispute, and I'm never going to shut the door to talks, and I will do my best to see if we can start 2026 off on a better foot."
Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA's junior doctors committee, echoed the need for dialogue, stating: "2026 must see less name-calling and more deal-making." He called for a credible plan to restore the value of doctors' pay and address the workforce crisis, suggesting a multi-year approach could be part of the solution.
The resolution of this dispute is now a critical priority for the Government as it seeks to stabilise the NHS amidst a challenging winter period marked by both industrial unrest and significant seasonal disease pressure.
