Following their initial meeting with the new Health Secretary, resident doctors within the NHS have declared plans for a four-day strike starting on June 15. This upcoming strike is set to be the 16th occurrence of industrial action in a dispute that has been ongoing since 2023.
The British Medical Association has initiated this strike after discussions with Health Secretary James Murray, who recently took over from Wes Streeting. Despite the BMA’s request for a higher pay increase for resident doctors for 2026/27, Murray expressed disappointment at their refusal to engage in further talks to enhance the existing pay deal.
In response, Murray stated that resident doctors have already received a substantial 33.4% pay rise over the past four years, which is the largest increase in the public sector. He deemed the BMA’s demands for additional pay hikes this year as impractical and unsustainable.
As a result of the strike planned for June 15 to June 19, numerous operations will be postponed, and senior doctors and nurses will have their annual leave revoked to cover essential shifts.
Despite recent pay rises, resident doctors argue that their real-terms pay has decreased by approximately a fifth since 2008 when considering inflation. The government contends that the rejected proposal would have granted a 4.9% average pay rise to resident doctors this year.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed disappointment in the lack of progress under the new Health Secretary, stressing the need for meaningful pay offers and job security enhancements.
The ongoing dispute, which originated during the previous Conservative government, has now become a pressing issue for the current Health Secretary. The BMA has indicated the possibility of further strikes in July if no advancements are made in discussions with Murray.
Murray urged the BMA to reconsider their stance on strike actions, highlighting the negative impact on patients, staff, and the financial strain on the NHS. He emphasized the need for collaboration to benefit both NHS workers and the healthcare system.
Additionally, the BMA is conducting a ballot among consultants and specialty doctors, with the voting period set to conclude on July 6.