Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to restart negotiations with striking junior doctors in the new year, as their latest five-day walkout in England enters a second day. The dispute, centred on pay and conditions, is unfolding against a backdrop of record seasonal flu pressures on the NHS.
Government and BMA Remain Divided on Pay
During a visit to a London ambulance station on Thursday, Mr Streeting labelled the British Medical Association's (BMA) decision to proceed with strikes over the Christmas period as "regrettable". He expressed a desire to end the bitter standoff but reiterated the government's position that the union's pay demands are unaffordable.
"The BMA is demanding an extra 26% on top of what we've already given. That is not a figure that we can afford," Streeting stated. He emphasised, however, that his door remains open for dialogue, contrasting his approach with that of previous Conservative ministers.
The Health Secretary confirmed plans to reconvene talks in the first week of January, urging both sides to "decompress" after the current strike action concludes. "I will do my best to see if we can start 2026 off on a better foot," he added, while stressing the need to bridge the gap between union expectations and public affordability.
NHS Faces 'Extremely Challenging' Winter Cocktail
The industrial action, the 14th by junior doctors since 2023, coincides with severe winter virus pressures. New NHS data reveals that flu hospitalisations in England remain at a record high for this time of year, with an average of 3,140 patients in hospital each day last week—a significant rise from 648 at the same point in 2023.
While the UK Health Security Agency notes flu levels are "starting to stabilise", admissions are still rising in most regions. The biggest weekly increases were seen in south-west England (up 40%) and eastern England (up 39%).
Mr Streeting voiced deep concern about the cumulative impact. "Flu, combined with usual winter pressures, combined with strikes, are making this an extremely challenging winter for the NHS," he said, warning of potential knock-on effects in the weeks following the walkout.
Calls for Mediation and Ongoing Health Pressures
Healthcare leaders have urged both the BMA and the government to enter external mediation via the conciliation service Acas to break the deadlock. Acas has confirmed it is "well prepared and ready to help".
Separately, norovirus-like symptoms are adding to hospital strain, with an average of 427 beds occupied daily by affected patients last week—a 21% weekly increase.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's national medical director, cautioned that the service is "nowhere near out of the woods yet". She advised the public to continue coming forward for care while officials reiterated calls for eligible people to get their flu jab.
As the strike continues until Saturday, the focus shifts to whether the promised January talks can finally chart a path to resolution for the long-running dispute.
