Full Breakdown
Ongoing Disputes Over Pay Lead to Doctor Strikes in England and Scotland
12/23/2025, 8:58:31 PM
Overview of the Strikes
In December 2025, resident doctors in England staged a five-day strike from December 17 to December 22, marking the 14th walkout since March 2023. This industrial action was primarily driven by ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, exacerbated by a surge in flu cases that placed additional strain on the National Health Service (NHS). The British Medical Association (BMA), representing the doctors, reported that 65% of its members participated in the strike, rejecting a government offer aimed at addressing training and job security issues.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike resulted in the cancellation of thousands of elective and outpatient appointments, as senior doctors were redeployed to cover emergency care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges posed by the strike, stating, "I do not want to see a single day of industrial action in the NHS in 2026." He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue with the BMA to resolve the disputes and restore normal operations.
Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter's and Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trusts, noted the urgency of discharging patients before Christmas, highlighting the exhaustion of senior doctors who had to manage the fallout from the strike. The NHS Confederation warned that the effects of the strike would be felt well into the new year.
Government and BMA Responses
Streeting has criticized the BMA's demands, labeling them as "self-indulgent, irresponsible, and dangerous," particularly during a peak flu season. He indicated that the government could not meet the BMA's request for a 26% pay increase, stating, "That is not a figure that we can afford." However, he expressed a willingness to resume negotiations in the new year.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's Resident Doctors Committee, called for a shift from "name-calling to deal-making," urging the government to create new jobs and develop a multi-year plan to restore pay levels. He emphasized the need for a "proper fix to this jobs crisis" and a credible path toward restoring the lost value of the profession.
Upcoming Strikes in Scotland
In Scotland, resident doctors are set to strike from January 13 to January 17, 2026, marking the first national walkout by NHS workers in the region. Health Secretary Neil Gray has committed to ongoing negotiations to avert this strike, acknowledging the need for substantial progress on pay. The BMA Scotland has accused the Scottish government of failing to uphold previous agreements regarding pay restoration, leading to widespread support for the strike among doctors.
Dr. Chris Smith, chair of BMA Scotland's resident doctors committee, stated that the government must address the anger among doctors over broken commitments. The Scottish government has proposed a two-year pay increase of 4.25% for 2025-26 and 3.75% for 2026-27, which the BMA argues is insufficient compared to inflation rates.
Conclusion
The ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions for resident doctors in both England and Scotland highlight significant challenges facing the NHS. With the potential for further strikes looming, both the government and the BMA must engage in meaningful negotiations to address the concerns of healthcare professionals and ensure the stability of healthcare services during a critical winter period.
