On December 22, 2025, doctors in England returned to their posts after a planned five-day strike that arose due to ongoing disputes surrounding pay and working conditions. This industrial action by the medical professionals, belonging to the British Medical Association (BMA), took place amidst a rising number of flu cases affecting the population and coincided with critical last-minute negotiations with the government that ultimately fell short of resolving the issues at hand.
Despite the urgency created by the healthcare crisis marked by the flu surge, the BMA’s members unanimously rejected a proposition from the government. Their decision underscores a sentiment that has permeated the healthcare profession in recent years, especially regarding job security and training opportunities. BMA’s resident doctor leader, Dr. Jack Fletcher, cited that many physicians are migrating to other countries for better pay and more favorable working conditions, leading to a significant loss of talent from the UK healthcare system.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his desire to resolve the dispute by the beginning of the new year, indicating a willingness for further discussions. His comments came on a backdrop of frustration stemming from the BMA’s demands, which he described as requesting an additional 26% pay increase on top of already granted raises. Streeting emphasized the challenges in accommodating such financial requests, stating, “That is not a figure that we can afford.” However, he reassured that the government would be open to future negotiations.
The striking doctors, many of whom are newly designated as resident doctors—previously referred to as junior doctors—demanded a comprehensive and sustainable plan to address the long-standing issues of remuneration and an increased number of training slots for aspiring specialists. According to the BMA, a significant percentage of its members, approximately 65%, participated in this unprecedented action, marking the 14th strike since March 2023. The union revealed that the pay for resident doctors remains a fifth lower than it was in 2008, significantly impacted by inflation despite a modest average pay rise of 5.4% in the current year.
In a bid to ease tensions, Streeting visited an ambulance station in London last week, asserting a commitment to ending the dispute while also acknowledging the disruption it has caused. He remarked, “I don’t want us to be locked in a bitter dispute” and advocated for constructive dialogue aimed at starting 2026 on a more positive note. His administration’s efforts to balance the budget with the needs of healthcare professionals remain a crucial concern, especially in light of the ongoing demands from the BMA.
Health experts have raised alarms about the long-term implications of this strike, suggesting that the fallout will likely influence healthcare services well into the new year and beyond. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the timing of the strike as “dangerous and utterly irresponsible”, particularly given the unprecedented pressures on the healthcare system during a record flu season.
During the strike, the BMA took steps to coordinate with NHS management to ensure patient safety in hospitals and other care facilities. Although the situation regarding flu cases is critical, recent reports indicated a slight decline in hospital admissions related to the virus, with around 3,000 individuals hospitalized across England.
Looking ahead, the situation remains delicate as the BMA and the NHS continue to navigate these challenges. Meanwhile, in Scotland, impending strikes from January 13 to 17, 2026, suggest that the unrest within the NHS is likely to escalate further, signaling a growing discontent among healthcare workers across the UK.
