England's National Health Service is bracing for significant disruption as junior doctors commence a major five-day walkout, coinciding with a record surge in flu cases. The industrial action, the 14th by resident doctors since March 2023, began at 7am on Wednesday 17 December and is scheduled to last until 7am on Monday 22 December.
Strike Action and Government Standoff
The British Medical Association (BMA), representing the striking doctors, is demanding a 26% pay uplift to restore what it describes as years of real-terms pay erosion. This demand has been firmly rejected by the government. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the union for a "shocking disregard for patient safety", while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the strike action "irresponsible".
The government contends that junior doctors have already received an average pay rise of 28.9% over the past three years (2023-24 to 2025-6). A last-minute offer to avert the strike, which included expanding specialist training posts and covering exam fees, was rejected by 83% of junior doctors in a BMA poll. Dr Jack Fletcher of the BMA's junior doctors' committee stated the strikes were "entirely avoidable" and called for serious negotiations.
NHS Under Pressure During Peak Flu Season
The timing of the strike has escalated concerns within the health service. NHS leaders have issued stark warnings about a "huge strain on hospitals" due to rapidly rising flu levels. Daniel Elkeles of NHS Providers said trust leaders would work to minimise the impact but warned it would mean further disruption and delays for patients.
Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation echoed this, stating: "These strikes come at the worst possible time." Critical services will be maintained through pre-agreed exemptions, known as derogations, to ensure patient safety and prevent serious harm.
Pay, Public Opinion, and Patient Advice
Pay for junior doctors varies widely. According to fact-checkers Full Fact, basic salaries range from £38,831 to £73,992 annually, not including extra pay for unsociable hours. The BMA uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) to argue for significant pay restoration, a method disputed by the government.
Public support for the strikes appears low. A recent YouGov poll indicated that 58% of respondents opposed the industrial action, with only 33% expressing support. Despite the walkout, patients are urged to seek urgent care when needed. The Department of Health advises using 999 for life-threatening emergencies and NHS 111 or the NHS App for other concerns. Patients should attend planned appointments unless notified otherwise.
