Resident doctors in England have voted to proceed with strike action after rejecting the government’s latest offer aimed at averting industrial action, escalating tensions in the NHS at one of the most pressured times of the year.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said a clear majority of members voted against the proposed deal, which would have delayed strike action until after Christmas and included changes to training and career progression but did not meet doctors’ demands on pay. As a result, strikes are now set to go ahead later this week.
The government expressed disappointment at the decision, warning that walkouts would place additional strain on hospitals already dealing with a sharp rise in flu cases and winter pressures. Ministers argue that resident doctors received a substantial pay increase last year and insist that public finances cannot stretch to further significant rises.
Doctors, however, say their pay has fallen sharply in real terms over the past decade, contributing to staffing shortages, burnout and declining morale across the health service. The BMA said members felt the offer failed to address long-standing concerns and accused the government of not negotiating in good faith.
Health leaders have warned that the strikes could lead to the postponement of thousands of appointments and operations, despite contingency plans to protect emergency and critical care. NHS trusts are already under strain from high bed occupancy, staff absences and seasonal illness.
The dispute has become a major test for the government’s relationship with the medical profession, with public opinion divided between concern for patient safety and sympathy for doctors’ working conditions. Talks could still resume, but with strike dates confirmed, disruption now appears unavoidable unless a last-minute breakthrough is reached.
