Why Are Resident Doctors Striking in November?

Resident doctors take action after talks reach another impasse.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that resident doctors in England will take part in a five-day strike beginning on 14 November, following months of discussions with the government that have not led to agreement.

This will be the 13th period of industrial action since the dispute began in early 2023. The BMA said the decision was not taken lightly and that doctors had continued to negotiate “in good faith” in the hope of reaching a fair resolution.

Resident doctors — previously known as junior doctors — make up nearly half of the NHS medical workforce, covering roles from newly qualified clinicians to those with up to ten years of experience. During the strike, senior doctors will be providing cover to ensure essential and emergency services remain safe.

Why doctors say action is necessary

The dispute focuses on fairness, retention, and the future of the NHS.

The BMA argues that while resident doctors have seen pay increases totalling around 30 per cent over the past three years, their salaries remain around 20 per cent lower in real terms than in 2008 once inflation is considered.

The talks have also focused on career progression, working conditions, and costs such as exam and training fees. According to the BMA, these issues directly affect the ability of doctors to stay in the NHS, to train effectively, and to continue delivering high-quality patient care.

Competition for training posts has intensified, with more than 30,000 applicants for around 10,000 specialty training places this year. For many early-career doctors, this shortfall has created uncertainty and frustration as they seek to advance within the NHS.

A workforce committed but under pressure

Resident doctors highlight challenges that affect patient care. 

Resident doctors are the backbone of hospital medicine, delivering much of the day-to-day care that keeps wards, theatres, and clinics running. Their concerns about pay and progression reflect broader pressures within the NHS — increasing workloads, rota gaps, and the need to retain skilled staff.

The BMA’s position is that addressing these problems is essential for protecting both staff wellbeing and patient safety. Fair pay and stable career structures, the union argues, are key to sustaining a motivated, long-term workforce and reducing dependence on temporary or agency cover.

The government and NHS response

Health leaders continue to call for constructive dialogue.

The government has said it will not reopen discussions on pay beyond the recent rises, while expressing a wish to improve career progression and working conditions. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that discussions had focused on those areas but said further progress on pay was not currently being considered.

The NHS Confederation, which represents health leaders, said it was “bitterly disappointed” that talks had broken down again and urged both sides to keep talking. Hospitals are once again preparing plans to protect emergency and urgent services during the walkout, with a focus on minimising disruption for patients.

What the BMA says to patients and the public

The strike is about long-term sustainability, not short-term conflict. 

Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, said the strike was “not where we wanted to be” but was necessary to highlight the need for fair treatment and sustainable careers. He said the union’s requests were “reasonable” and made “in the best interests of the public and our patients”.

The BMA continues to stress that better pay and conditions are not about reward alone but about retaining doctors in the NHS, ensuring patient care remains safe, and protecting the future of the health service.

Looking ahead

A chance to rebuild trust and stability. 

The planned strike highlights the continuing challenges faced by the NHS and its medical workforce. Both sides agree on the importance of resolving the dispute and restoring stability to the service.

Resident doctors have framed their action as a professional stand for fairness, recognition, and the long-term health of the NHS. Their message is that supporting those who care for patients today is vital to ensuring the NHS can continue to care for everyone tomorrow.