Resident Doctors Launch Extended Walkout Across England
Resident doctors in England, formerly known as junior doctors, commenced a five-day strike on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 7 am GMT. This industrial action, which is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7 am GMT, marks the 13th walkout by medical professionals since March 2023. The strike is part of a protracted dispute with the government over pay and the availability of training posts.
Core Demands: Pay Restoration and Training Posts
The British Medical Association (BMA), representing the striking doctors, is advocating for a 26% pay increase. This demand aims to restore the real-terms value of doctors' earnings to what they were in 2008, arguing that years of below-inflation settlements have eroded their salaries. Beyond pay, the dispute also encompasses concerns about a 'looming unemployment crisis' and a severe shortage of specialty training places, with reports indicating that 30,000 doctors are competing for only 10,000 available positions.
Conversely, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated that the government 'cannot and will not move on pay,' highlighting that resident doctors have already received an 'almost 30% increase in pay over three years'. Streeting has condemned the strike, describing it as 'irresponsible' and 'political posturing,' and accusing the BMA of 'choosing confrontation over care'.
Significant Impact on NHS Services and Public Perception
The ongoing industrial action is expected to cause substantial disruption to the National Health Service (NHS). Previous strikes have had a considerable financial and operational impact; the last walkout in July 2025 alone was estimated to have cost the health service £300 million. Furthermore, more than 54,000 procedures and appointments were cancelled or rescheduled during that period.
NHS leaders have issued warnings that continued strikes could necessitate cuts to frontline staff, a reduction in appointments, and further delays to operations. Patients are advised to continue seeking emergency care via 999 or A&E, while non-critical medical needs should be addressed through NHS 111, GPs, or pharmacies.
Public sentiment regarding the strikes has shifted, with recent polling indicating that opposition has risen to 45% (up from 31% in June 2024), while support has declined to 28% (from 52%). Public sympathy remains predominantly with NHS patients, with 84% expressing concern for those affected by the disruption.
Uncertainty as Dispute Continues
As resident doctors continue their five-day walkout, the fundamental disagreements between the BMA and the government show no immediate signs of resolution. The BMA maintains that its demands are crucial for the future of the medical profession and patient care, while the government insists on the unsustainability of further pay increases. The prolonged dispute continues to exert immense pressure on the already strained NHS, with significant consequences for both healthcare providers and patients across England.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Doctors deserve fair pay! This strike is a necessary step to protect our NHS.
Eugene Alta
Another strike? They've already had a massive pay rise. It's never enough!
BuggaBoom
The article highlights valid concerns from both the BMA regarding pay and training, and the government about financial sustainability. It's a complex issue where neither side seems willing to budge, leading to ongoing disruption for ordinary people.
Donatello
It's clear doctors feel undervalued, but the public's patience is wearing thin with these prolonged disputes. Both sides need to acknowledge the significant impact on healthcare access and work towards a swift resolution.
Michelangelo
Public support is clearly shifting, indicating frustration with the constant disruption, even if doctors have legitimate grievances. The government and BMA must prioritize patient well-being and find common ground before the NHS is further damaged.