British doctors are set to go on strike again, this time for five days from December 17th, as tensions over pay and job security escalate. The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned that the lack of a credible offer from the government is driving resident doctors away from jobs and towards the picket line.
The BMA claims that despite a significant rise in pay – almost 30% over the past three years – doctors still need a further 26% increase to make up for inflation since 2008. This demand has been repeatedly rebuffed by the government, leading to increased frustration among medical staff.
The strike will be the 14th by doctors since March 2023 and follows a similar five-day action last month, which led to warnings that the NHS may struggle to maintain frontline services if the disputes continue. The BMA argues that the government's failure to address the jobs crisis is causing unnecessary stress on healthcare staff, with many being turned away from training posts due to competition.
The union is now urging its members to show no mercy to the government as they extend their strike mandate until August 2026. Critics argue that this will lead to a prolonged period of disruption for patients and frontline staff.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed the BMA's actions, calling them a "cynical attempt to wreck Christmas". He claims that an offer made by his department to increase training places and provide more funding was rejected out of hand, leaving him with no choice but to prepare for further strikes.
The government is urging doctors to come back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the NHS has warned patients that any further disruptions could lead to a significant reduction in services.
With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the government will finally provide a credible offer on pay and job security, or if another strike will follow – leaving healthcare staff and patients alike facing a chaotic Christmas season.
The BMA claims that despite a significant rise in pay – almost 30% over the past three years – doctors still need a further 26% increase to make up for inflation since 2008. This demand has been repeatedly rebuffed by the government, leading to increased frustration among medical staff.
The strike will be the 14th by doctors since March 2023 and follows a similar five-day action last month, which led to warnings that the NHS may struggle to maintain frontline services if the disputes continue. The BMA argues that the government's failure to address the jobs crisis is causing unnecessary stress on healthcare staff, with many being turned away from training posts due to competition.
The union is now urging its members to show no mercy to the government as they extend their strike mandate until August 2026. Critics argue that this will lead to a prolonged period of disruption for patients and frontline staff.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed the BMA's actions, calling them a "cynical attempt to wreck Christmas". He claims that an offer made by his department to increase training places and provide more funding was rejected out of hand, leaving him with no choice but to prepare for further strikes.
The government is urging doctors to come back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the NHS has warned patients that any further disruptions could lead to a significant reduction in services.
With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the government will finally provide a credible offer on pay and job security, or if another strike will follow – leaving healthcare staff and patients alike facing a chaotic Christmas season.
they deserve better than what's being offered to them. 26% increase in pay is still nowhere near enough considering inflation. It's like the government just doesn't care about the people who are actually keeping us alive 
. And can we please talk about how unrealistic it is for the government to think that a few more training places and funding will make up for everything? We need sustainable solutions, not just Band-Aids 
inflation is not going away, its 2025 dont expect it to magically stop. 26% increase is not enough, they need more 
NHS is already struggling as it is, cant take much more of this 
30% rise in pay over the past three years is a good start but what about the cost of living? 
its like they dont even consider the impact on the staff. competition for training posts is killing it 
NHS needs to sort this out ASAP or risk losing more doctors.
Wes Streeing and his gov team need to stop playing politics and get down to business. 5 days strike again is not a good look 
and we're just gonna have another chaotic Christmas season. Lets hope they can get it together soon 
you know what's been bugging me lately? how some of these online shopping sites just won't work when you're in the middle of checking out 
i mean, come on, can't they just make it seamless like in real life? anyway, back to this doctor strike thing... 26% increase is pretty steep, but i guess that's what happens when inflation's been low for too long 
. 26% more pay would actually make a big difference, you know? Inflation is like, whoa... it adds up quick 
. And what about Christmas? I love the NHS, but patients don't get to enjoy all that festive cheer if staff are out on strike 
. Fingers crossed Wes Streeting comes up with some solid solutions soon... maybe we can even get a decent pay raise without it being too late 
.
They're the ones putting in the work. I think the BMA has a point here... maybe it's time for some serious talks and not just empty promises