In a move set to cause significant disruption to NHS services in the run-up to the festive period, resident doctors across England have announced a major five-day strike.
Strike Dates and Core Dispute
The British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors' union, has confirmed that the industrial action will take place from 17 to 22 December. This walkout comes after the union accused the government of not making sufficient progress towards a viable agreement on pay and working conditions.
In a strongly-worded email to its members, seen by The Independent, the BMA stated it had given Health Secretary Wes Streeting a "window of opportunity" to return to negotiations following a letter sent on 19 November. The union claims that by 1 December, no substantive response had been received.
Accusations of Pay Cuts and Lost Posts
The email from the BMA outlined further grievances, alleging that the government had overseen thousands of resident doctors being turned away from IMT (Internal Medicine Training) posts. It also accused ministers of attempting to impose a real-terms pay cut on doctors in 2026.
Resident doctors, often referred to as junior doctors, constitute approximately half of the medical workforce within the NHS, meaning their absence will have a profound impact on hospital services, elective procedures, and appointments.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
The timing of the strike, just days before Christmas, is expected to place immense strain on the health service during a period of typically high seasonal demand. Hospitals will be forced to enact emergency cover plans, prioritising only the most critical and urgent care.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for comment regarding the announced strike action. With the first walkout now less than three weeks away, pressure will mount on both sides to resume talks and avert the planned disruption.
