Senior Medics Urge Resident Doctors to Reject Strike Amid Pay Dispute in England

Six senior medical professionals in England have urged resident doctors to reject strike action over pay, describing such industrial action as futile and harmful to patients and the NHS. They acknowledge the previous 22% pay increase last year and the recent average 5.4% rise as substantial efforts to address pay erosion, arguing that further demands are unaffordable amid government budget constraints. The British Medical Association is currently balloting resident doctors on potential strikes, with some leaders advocating for a 29% pay rise, but these senior clinicians warn that strikes would damage the NHS's ability to deliver care and could be counterproductive. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed sympathy for doctors but emphasized the NHS cannot afford more pay hikes and urged the BMA to call off strike threats, noting limited public support for further walkouts. These perspectives highlight the tension between efforts to improve doctors' pay and working conditions and the financial and operational challenges facing the NHS. Both senior doctors and government officials advocate for resolving disputes without resorting to strikes, emphasizing patient care and fiscal realities.