Resident doctors in England have announced strike action from 17–22 December amid a growing dispute over pay, warning that years of real-terms wage cuts and staff shortages are putting the NHS under extreme pressure
Resident doctors in England are set to walk out from 7 am on 17 December until 7 am on 22 December, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing dispute over pay and working conditions. The British Medical Association says years of real-terms pay cuts, unsafe staffing levels, and a shortage of training and permanent posts are pushing the NHS to breaking point, with patient care at risk if urgent action is not taken.
Doctors are left with no choice but to strike
This announcement of new resident doctor strike action follows a five-day walkout in November, during which doctors campaigned for pay restoration and greater job availability.
In a letter sent on 25 November, resident doctor committee members warned that thousands of foundation year 2 candidates are unable to secure training posts or interviews in internal medicine, as they compete with more experienced doctors who are also forced to apply for training places.
Dr Jack Fletcher, BMA resident doctors committee co-chair, said: “This month we’ve seen the full farcical extent of the jobs’ crisis, with new doctors applying for basic training posts being asked to provide evidence of experience well beyond what would have previously been asked of advanced specialists.
“It is precisely this sort of situation which is driving doctors to the picket line. But it is not too late for the Government to get a grip on the situation.”
Resident doctors continue to face pay erosion and no job security
Confirming the new strike dates, BMA resident doctors committee co-chair Jack Fletcher said that, while doctors would rather be treating patients than be on picket lines, continuing inaction with addressing the profession’s concerns meant there was no alternative.
He said: “With neither a credible plan to fix the jobs’ crisis for resident doctors nor address their pay erosion coming from the Government, we have no choice but to announce more strike dates.
“However, these do not need to go ahead. 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.
“It would ensure both the long-term strength of our healthcare workforce and spare the country the indignity of seeing unemployed doctors at a time when patients are queuing up even to see a GP.’
Responding to the British Medical Association’s announcement that resident doctors will strike for a further five days in the run-up to Christmas, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:
“This will come as a devastating blow to health leaders who have only just navigated another round of walkouts. With winter now upon us, flu levels surging, and staff sickness expected to rise, pressure on services will be intense.
“Resident doctors downing tools is deeply concerning for NHS staff and will have a significant impact on them and patients. It will likely lead to thousands of cancelled appointments and operations, and in the end, patients will bear the brunt of this reckless industrial action.
“Healthcare leaders will continue to do all they can to provide the best care possible and maintain patient safety during any periods of industrial action.
“They would urge resident doctors to reflect on the impact of yet more strikes on patients against the difficult financial backdrop we’re operating in, and the generous pay rise that has already been offered to them. A compromise solution that avoids overwhelming an NHS already buckling under immense pressure must be found urgently.”
