The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, will stage another five-day strike in the run-up to Christmas. The industrial action is set to begin at 7am on 17 December and conclude at 7am on 22 December.
This marks the 14th walkout by doctors since March 2023, following a similar five-day strike last month. The union accuses the government of failing to present a credible plan to resolve the ongoing jobs and pay crisis for doctors in training.
The Pay Dispute: Figures and Demands
At the heart of the conflict is a disagreement over pay restoration. The government points out that resident doctor pay has risen by almost 30 per cent over the past three years, including a 22 per cent increase since the Labour government came to power.
However, the BMA argues this is insufficient. They state that pay has been eroded by 20.9 per cent since 2008 when measured against inflation, using the Retail Prices Index (RPI). To restore pay to 2008 levels, they are demanding an additional 26 per cent increase over the coming years.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, stated: “Gradually raising pay over a few years and some common-sense fixes to the job security of our doctors are well within the reach of this Government.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has taken a hard line, describing the strike as a “cynical attempt to wreck Christmas.” He claims the government offered a 28.9 per cent pay rise, more jobs, and financial benefits, but the BMA rejected it outright without consulting members.
What Do Junior Doctors Actually Earn?
Resident doctors are qualified physicians in their first years of specialist training. Their salaries are banded according to experience.
Following a 5.4 per cent uplift earlier this year, foundation year doctors (the first two years) earn between £38,831 and £44,439 for a standard 40-hour week. This base salary does not include extra payments for overtime, night shifts, or London weighting.
Those in core or specialist training can see their salaries rise to £73,992 at the highest point. The government states the average pay across all training stages is approximately £54,300.
The BMA's ambition is to negotiate a deal that would boost foundation pay to between £47,308 and £54,274, with specialist training pay reaching a maximum of £90,989.
How Does This Compare at Home and Abroad?
Within the UK's public services, resident doctors start at a higher point than some key professions. Newly qualified nurses begin on around £31,049, while police constables start at £29,907. Trainee firefighters earn about £28,265.
However, doctors contend that such comparisons are flawed due to their extensive and costly training. The BMA notes the average medical student debt is £70,000, a burden not carried by most other public service entrants.
Internationally, the picture varies greatly due to differing healthcare funding models. In France, starting salaries for hospital-employed doctors are around £40,800. In Canada, starting pay is approximately £46,000, with average salaries near £122,000. In the United States, resident doctors earn between £51,000 and £86,000 on average, but fully qualified specialists can earn vastly more in the private system.
Critics highlight that the NHS, as a taxpayer-funded system offering set salaries, is not directly comparable to nations with insurance-based or fee-for-service models.
With the latest strike dates now set, the standoff between the government and junior doctors shows no immediate sign of resolution, threatening further disruption to NHS services during the festive period.
