Hope Grows That England Resident Doctors Will Cancel Strike After New Government Offer
NHS England is warning of a worst-case scenario this December amid a surge in hospitalised flu cases, with an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital per day last week, representing a 55% increase from the previous week.
The British Medical Association (BMA) plans to survey resident doctors on the latest government offer; if a simple majority vote in favour, the five-day strike scheduled to begin on 17 December could be cancelled.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to double the number of extra training places available to early career doctors in England to allow them to train in their chosen specialty.
NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles described the government response as a significant move that gives hope and could realistically avert next week's strikes.
However, the offer does not include a pay rise for this year nor address the doctors' demand for a 26% salary increase over the coming years. Doctors have already received about a 28.9% pay increase since 2023.
BMA chair Dr Jack Fletcher called the proposals a mixed bag and lacking detail, noting there is no net increase in the number of doctors and highlighting concerns about potential ongoing pay erosion.
BMA deputy co-chair Dr Shivam Sharma stated that the offer does not address pay issues, making it hard to see members accepting it.
The planned strikes are set to begin on 17 December and last five days unless cancelled following the members’ survey results.
