Doctors Stage Strike Over Pay Dispute in England

Resident doctors across England are preparing to strike next month after failed negotiations concerning job security and pay erosion. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the industrial action on Thursday, citing unmet demands for a substantial pay rise to tackle unemployment among newly qualified doctors.

The newly elected Labour government previously secured a 22% pay rise for doctors, quelling a series of strikes under the former Conservative government. However, dissatisfaction has resurfaced, with doctors seeking increases beyond the government's 5.4% offer, which ministers say public finances cannot support.

Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. A last-minute proposal from Health Minister Wes Streeting suggested future changes, but was deemed insufficient by the BMA. As the government holds its ground on pay hikes, public support for the strikes remains tepid.