England Resident Doctors Consider Six-Month Strike

Resident doctors in England, formerly known as junior doctors, are being balloted for fresh strike action after rejecting the government's latest pay offer, which includes a 5.4% rise (a 4% increase plus a £750 payment). The British Medical Association (BMA) states that doctors' pay has declined by approximately 23% in real terms since 2008 and is demanding a 29% increase for full pay restoration. Despite a cumulative 28.9% pay rise over the past three years, the BMA calls the current offer inadequate and urges its members to support up to six months of strikes, potentially until January 2026. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that more strikes could hinder NHS recovery and patient care, which has already suffered over 1.5 million cancelled appointments due to prior walkouts. Charities and patient groups have also raised concerns about the impact on patient health and mounting NHS pressures. The ballot closes on July 7, with broader public sector unrest possible as more unions consider industrial action over pay.